I don’t usually write blog posts on political or religious topics (usually because I feel others can put serious things into words much better than I can) but I felt so strongly about this that I feel I have to tell someone – anyone – just so I have a chance of someone being as outraged as I am.

We all know what’s happening in Europe. Refugees are coming over the sea to escape war, famine and persecution. Many have died trying, showing the desperation of the situation. They flee to no particular country, just to any that will accept them and offer them safety. They aren’t coming for riches and big dreams. They’re coming to live. And yet they are told to wait at the door while their admission is debated. In some places they are turned away altogether.

The crisis was a topic of discussion on Radio 4 on Saturday afternoon, and I happened to be in the car on the way to London listening to it. The main question was what Britain should do to help with the crisis, if anything at all. As you’d expect, people of all opinions rang in to give their two cents. ‘The country is full’ was a popular one, and ‘these people are people, and they need help’ was another.

But the opinion that shocked me most was one of a Christian woman from (as my memory serves) Yorkshire. In short, she believed that the UK should open its doors and help the refugees – a sentiment I strongly agree with myself. The radio host asked her who would house and feed the people, and the woman (somewhat proudly) stated that she would be more than willing to host a family herself, and she knew of many others from her church who held the same views. Again, admirable, if she meant it. But then – and this was the part that got me – she stipulated that she would happily have Christians stay with her, and that her church are petitioning to allow Christian refugees in.

… What?!

She said this mid-flow, and (thankfully) the host stopped her to bring her back to the point. ‘So you’re saying that you only want to help Christians?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘But what about those of other religions, of Islamic faith?’ The woman’s response was awkward, fragmented. I may be mistaken, but the gist of the message I got was ‘No, because of the terrorists.’

My husband and I looked at each other in shock.

This woman’s comments anger me, of course. But more than that, they sadden me. Not only does it show ignorance and a religious racism which is exactly the issue with most of the terrorism fuelled conflicts in the first place, it damages the view the population has of Christians and Christ’s message. Would Jesus have welcomed only Christians when there were others in need? Of course not!

So if you’re reading this, and you’re not a Christian, please believe me that these comments are NOT representative of those who are. We believe that Jesus taught us to love one another, regardless of race or religion or circumstance. The parable of the Good Samaritan is the best analogy I can give you.

My personal view on the crisis is largely shaped by my belief in Jesus. Let the refugees in. Spread them across nations if we have to, but don’t turn them away. Yes it will mean more strain on resources, hospitals, infrastructure. Yes, it will mean cost. It might even (heaven forbid!) mean some sacrifice or discomfort for us as citizens. But how many lives will it save? How many families will it keep together? Is that not worth a little less GDP, if it comes to that?

Agree or disagree of you want. Call me naive or silly or stupid. Even if it costs millions to see no more pictures of drowned children, I’d say it’s worth every single penny.

And if you ever hear someone saying that they want selectivity on who is allowed in, don’t nod your head and let it go. Challenge them. Show them their own prejudice. Until the world accepts itself, the war will never end, and the refugees will keep on coming.