Almost a year ago, our nation was shocked by the tragic events in Southport when
three children were killed, and ten other people – eight of whom were children –
were injured, some of them severely in a crazed knife attack. At the time, social
media spread the false news that the perpetrator was an illegal immigrant who had
crossed the channel in a boat. This led to an immediate orgy of violence and
destruction directed against racial minorities across cities in England. Belfast – no
stranger to sectarian violence down the years – was also the scene of rioting.
Almost a year later, and worryingly similar scenes have occurred in Ballymena. This
time, the catalyst for rioting has been a horrific sexual assault on a teenage girl.
Previous attacks on women and girls by local men in the area did not descend into
violence on the streets, and events in Ballymena on this occasion are clearly racially
motivated. Once again, members of various ethnic minority communities have been
targeted and are now living in fear.
This madness must stop. Violence against people and property on any grounds must
be condemned without reservation or qualification. While there are concerns about
the levels, nature and potential impact of immigration, these can often be misplaced
or exaggerated, and they must never be used to explain away violence against
anyone’s person or property. There can be no “if”, “buts” or “however” following
words of condemnation.
Migration has long been part of human history. If we were to trace our own roots
back far enough, we might find that a substantial number of us are the descendants
of those who at one time immigrated to these shores.  There are very few truly
indigenous peoples, and there is such turbulence in our modern world that migration
will continue to present major challenges.
As evangelical Christians, we must apply Biblical principles to this complex issue.
We are commanded by Christ to love our neighbour, and there are repeated
illustrations of this in the Gospels. Note Christ’s words in Matthew 5:47 – “And if you
greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even
pagans do that?”.
The Old Testament too contains clear teaching for the people of Israel which still
applies today. In Leviticus 19:34 we read, “But the stranger that dwelleth with you
shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself”.
We must pray for all racial minorities in Ballymena and elsewhere in NI who feel
afraid and vulnerable because of this madness. Many of them were born and reared
here. They belong here. They make a major contribution to the economy and to
public services. Some of them play a full part in our churches. Others from other
faiths need to hear the Gospel. We must welcome them, support them and reach out
to them. In the face of such naked hatred, let us, as individuals and as

congregations, be sure to display wholehearted and unconditional Biblical love to our
neighbours. It’s the only way.
EPC Public Morals Committee – 11 June 2025