The facts of what happened this week in Northern Ireland cannot, in themselves, determine our response. They must be interpreted with historical and social awareness, and with Christian conviction and moral clarity.

Dozens of masked individuals spread terror in Belfast, shouting ‘foreigners out’ following a knife attack by an immigrant. Christians react to the situation on the ground: “Leaders of diaspora churches are concerned”.

The gathering of 35,000 Christians in Madrid last weekend can and should be debated, just like any other public event. But it should not be treated as a democratic anomaly simply because it is evangelical, large-scale and visible.

150 practitioners and experts serving across Europe discussed topics such as strengthening younger generations, mental health and sexual abuse prevention. The Refugee Highway Partnership organises such gatherings every year.

At its 2026 European meeting, the Refugee Highway Partnership will bring together churches and ministries working with forcibly displaced people. The focus this year is on the realities of children and young people.

Fourteen experienced leaders discussed collaborative work in the context of growing diaspora churches and the younger generations. The growth of Islam and new models for sending missionaries were among the challenges addressed.

What motivates these emigrants and their children, after years in Germany, to move to a place where their families suffered decades of humiliation, persecution and oppression? Where does the sudden enthusiasm for Russia come from?

The Refugee Highway Partnership Europe gathering is happening in Málaga (10-14 March). “We are invited to stand against that tide and follow Jesus in the powerful way of humility”, say the organisers.

Ahead of Sunday’s elections, the Protestant, Catholic and other churches ask to “vote for parties that stand up for our democracy”. Alice Weidel’s AfD party rises in the polls amid tough immigration debates.

The list is long of prophets and spiritual leaders who dared to speak the truth to rulers who crossed God-ordained thresholds – often at great cost. 

Ahead of February's elections in Germany, Frank Heinrich of the Evangelical Alliance explains to Evangelical Focus why a Christian vision introduces nuance into the overall tension and uncertainty.

An NGO serving migrants says most came from Pakistan and were trying to reach Spain after 13 days of journey. The islands are going through a major crisis after receiving over 43,000 migrants in one year.

The 23 February election could turn frustration into a historic rise of the far right. A journalist points to the importance of “acknowledge other opinions and not immediately condemn them”.

In the last 15 days of August alone, 3,220 arrived in the Canary Islands from Africa risking their lives in small boats. Noemi Mena, an expert on migration, believes there are no solutions without solidarity between regions and long-term planning.

In the first half of 2024, the arrivals of migrants to Spain tripled those of the entire year before. The director of a large evangelical NGO calls for a new Immigration Law and encourages citizens to “reflect critically” on what is said in the media.

About 6% of Christians leave their country of birth, according to Pew Research. The United States, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom are the countries to which most Christians emigrate.

Some will likely stick with him as a “known quantity” but his push to further regulate churches and legalize euthanasia have shocked and alienated many Christians. 

Discretion and integrity are essential, but they shouldn’t go so far as to become scepticism and distrust. The roles of church leaders and immigration officials need clear differentiation.

Alesio Sema in Albania and Giacomo Ciccone in Italy address the issue of migration from an evangelical perspective.

A ‘sharp right turn’ is coming up fast as we approach elections across Europe this year, at both national and European levels. Migrant-scapegoating and nationalism is on the rise in our continent. 

For some time now, the political right in Germany has been using the term ‘remigration’ to seek a ethnic cleansing in the country. These views cannot be justified from a gospel perspective.

The victory of the Freedom Party shocks the European scenario. While traditional Christian parties suffer losses, “it is no secret that some believers love Wilders”, says journalist Evert Van Vlastuin.

A gathering in Olso brought together 61 Christian leaders from a migrant background. “Many migrants are more bold with their faith and their testimonies. This is a great resource for the churches”.

Several Christian voices in the United Kingdom criticise the Illegal Migration draft law presented by the government. They ask to “talk frankly and listen carefully” instead of “fanning anti-immigration flames”.

The uncertain times for European society call for a rapid shift in our collective perception from its reactionary mode.