The other day, President Trump posted a social media message responding to the genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He said that he was asking Congress to report to him on suggestions for how the United States should respond.
Now, I think it is positive that Nigeria has caught the President’s attention. At times, it seems that politicians and even church leaders are only able to focus on the big headline horrors of Ukraine and Gaza. However, all the time there are tragedies, terror and atrocities that go on under the radar including DRC, Sudan and Nigeria. I’m not convinced though that a foreign power going in “guns a-blazing” will be helpful to anyone. Indeed, such a move may further embolden Boko Harem and increase their support if they are able to present themselves as fighting against imperial outsiders.
The point though is that the situation in Nigeria is grievous and it still leaves us asking how we should respond as Christians. First of all, I believe that we should not underestimate the power of prayer. Is Nigeria on your prayer agenda individually as a church? Are you informed about what is happening? Do you trust Jesus for the situation and for our brothers and sisters.
Secondly, we can seek to push this up the agenda in national politics here in the UK. There are two aspects to this. Whilst going in “guns a-blazing-” may not be the right way forward, there may be ways that the UK, USA and other countries can support the Nigerian government in an effective response to Islamists. Further, there may be support that can be given to help people rebuild their lives.
The other side of things though is that for some Nigerians, the need is for assurance that safety and sanctuary are available to them. Many expats are here in the UK, they have come, settled and found work. They’ve not used the asylum system and yet their lives may well be at risk back home, increasingly so. Proposals to make it harder for people to settle long term may make this harder and create fear. For example there has been talk from Reform UK about abolishing indefinite leave to remain and senior conservatives have suggested that even some of those who came here legitimately should be encouraged/helped to leave and return to their home countries. Meanwhile there has been a discourse when it comes to immigration that creates suspicion, fear and hostility.
So we can help in two ways. First Christian leaders need to recognise the serious damage that this culture of fear and suspicion creates. Whilst is often presented as being about culture and religion (anti Islam), this is not the way that many immigrants and their descendants experience it. So, it is time for Christian leaders to speak up boldly against the so called “patriot pastors” agenda and Christian Nationalism.
Secondly, we can be putting pressure on politicians to take what is happening in Nigeria seriously, both looking at the things we can do to help in Nigeria and considering what can be done to change the climate here in the UK.
With that in mind, I’ve written to my own MP and also to the leader of the opposition and a similar letter to Nigel Farage. Here are the emails I’ve written.
To my local MP
Dear Paulette,
Whilst much of the attention from the media and politicians is understandably on Gaza and on Ukraine, there are a number of other places experiencing horrific conflict and where people face persecution and genocide including Sudan, DRC and Nigeria.
Our church (Church Central North) of which I’m one of the elders has a particular concern for Nigeria as several of our church members are from Nigeria and on a personal level I’ve got a number of Nigerian friends too.
I’m writing to ask you to two things. First, could you speak to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary about this matter. Secondly, could you raise this in Parliament through questions.
It is difficult to know exactly what our government can do but it would be good to know that they are considering practical support whether to those looking to rebuild lives and homes, and also to look at if support can be offered to those seeking to combat the threat through military aid and intelligence.
I’m also aware of the current debate around immigration and asylum. Whilst there are legitimate concerns and fears that people have, the current toxic environment has a horrendous impact on asylum seekers, the vast majority of whom have a genuine case. So, one way that the government can help is by making this clear and particularly emphasising that Nigerians who seek safety and welcomed here.
I will also be writing to the leader of the opposition and of Reform UK especially with regards to the final point.
Kind Regards
Dave Williams
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To Kemi Badenoch (the one for Nigel Farage is similar)
Dear Kemi,
As I’m sure you will be well aware, whilst much focus is on Ukraine and Gaza, a horrendous crisis caused by Boko Haram is unfolding in Nigeria. Many observers believe that this should be recognised as genocide.
I am an elder/pastor in a church in Birmingham and we have a number of members from Nigeria, so the situation is of grave concern to us.
I recognise that it is hard to know what can be done though I understand that President Trump is now looking at a US response. I am writing to ask you to use your position to raise this with the Prime Minister and to challenge him on what the UK can be doing to help protect Nigerians from genocide.
Also, I believe that opposition parties can play their part. There are understandable concerns about immigration right now. However that has an impact both on asylum seekers, many with legitimate claims and on wider immigrants, again legitimately here for work or education.
An area of specific concern will be potential changes proposed by opposition politicians to change the status of immigrants with leave to remain. I would urge you to think through the impact if your own proposals in that regard. Additionally, it would be helpful to hear from all politicians that Nigerians are welcome and safe here and that will include those seeking asylum.
Kind regards
Faithroots 