UK Michael

Hi Spero, I agree. My career has been (and continues to be) in science. There was a time I looked to science to answer everything and bought into the myth that science and faith must be opposing. Of course in time I realised there is much outside of the purview of science, and there is much to be said for allowing science and faith to flourish together. God bless, and may you continue to enjoy both faith and science.

Hi Elaine, This is a tricky topic! I don't think there are any perfect answers. In an ideal world we would welcome all that really needed help, and detect all those who are simply looking to use our benefit system for its own sake. We may also welcome people who bring extra skills to our country, just as we may welcome the chance to work in other countries ourselves. As we come closer to the season that many of us remember the Nativity of our Lord, I do think it's worth remembering that our Lord himself was an exile in a foreign land. Some immigrants are genuinely in fear of their lives (either from persecution or because living conditions are so poor), and I think it's right that the load is spread across Europe (rather than the Northern countries not taking any of the load because we're rarely the first countries encountered with migrants usually coming from the more populated South). There is always a danger that those who are not really in need harden our hearts against those that really are in need. In my own career (science) I have known very many who have gone to work in other countries - it's very common in science, and I think the scientific community benefits from this interchange. Some of my friends have simply been "economic migrants" - moving to the US where salaries for scientists are significantly higher, others have moved because they found it difficult to get a job in the UK, and many simply go to where the research most interests them and the best facilities exist (many physicists, for example, will end up in Europe's CERN facility). Movement across borders is very much a two-way street in our community - it is common and well accepted. Many university labs are incredibly diverse in nationality and culture, and it often makes for a productive and enjoyable atmosphere. There are times the UK has also very much encouraged immigration to help fill labour shortages - from lower pay jobs such as bus drivers, through to elite professional jobs such as medics. None of that is to say that there should be no controls, but that the British community has sometimes benefited from migration - either enjoying the benefits of moving elsewhere, or enjoying the benefits of being able to attract people to this country to fill skill or labour gaps. When times are tougher, as they are now, I think we should also remember how we've benefited from migration previously. We can also be thankful that we're still a country that attracts people. Just another angle on this complex problem. I don't pretend there are any easy answers, and I think it's always going to be a bit of a tricky balancing act. God bless +

Hi Tinky, As it has not been mentioned so far, I thought it may be useful to have the two ancient creeds ("Credo" = "I believe") that many of us hold to. I realise not all hold to these creeds though. For those not so familiar with these creeds it may be worth noting that "catholic" is usually interpreted as universal ​(recognising brotherhood in a body of Christ that was broader than local churches), so these creeds may be held by Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, Presbyterians, etc. The Apostle's Creed [date of origin uncertain] [Note: while the Apostle's Creed is a very ancient creed, probably pre-dating the Nicene Creed, it almost certainly was not written down by the Apostles. Rather it was an early formulation of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The simpler form suggests this creed pre-dates the 4th century Nicene creed] I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. The Nicene Creed (4th century) I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]*, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. *The Orthodox Church formulation does not include "and the Son". God bless +