Welcoming transient communities: a briefing paper on asylum seekers and refugees, gypsies and travellers, and migrant workers

Aims

The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber [CRC] provides information and resources to equip churches and faith practitioners for their role in regeneration of the region’s communities.

Methodology

The briefing paper presents information and case studies from a seminar on transient communities in October 2005.

Key issues

The paper introduces the idea of transient communities and the context of discrimination and prejudice towards migrants that is often based on lack of information. The role of the Church in relation to migrants is outlined. The briefing paper outlines basic facts about asylum seekers, gypsies and travellers, and migrant workers. The paper includes brief case studies of church-based work with these groups, a list of ideas for action and a list of resources.

Recommendations

The paper offers ideas for prayer and for voluntary / campaigning actions by individuals to support transient communities.