Day 21 - An Unknown Refugee

A woman, her knees buckling and weary head bowed, carries a small child. She slowly walks, almost stumbles, forward. We don’t know where they came from, or where they are going. In fact, we know nothing of their story, and yet in a way we know too much.

This powerful sculpture, titled “The Unknown Refugee”, is by the artist John Bridgeman (1916 – 2004). It stands in the beautiful setting of the Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa.

Bridgeman was at the Royal College of Arts when the outbreak of the Second World War interrupted his studies. A conscientious objector, he worked rescuing people bombed during the Blitz. This experience profoundly affected him and influenced his art throughout the rest of his life.

The Unknown Refugee was inspired by the plight of refugees following the Vietnam War, but it has a universal and, sadly, timeless message. The UNHCR estimates that there are currently 37.9 million refugees worldwide, and these are only part of the 122.6 million people defined as those “forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order”. And the figures are growing. Since 2000 the number of refugees has grown by 138%, while those forcibly displaced by a sobering 221%.

Once upon a time, many in Britain felt they could have a somewhat detached attitude to refugees. It was, after all, an issue affecting places far from home. We would contribute to support charities working with refugees, knowing that they would not be washing up on our shores.

Not so today. Immigration and the plight of refugees and asylum seekers is a live, and often toxic, political issue. It brings out occasionally vile rhetoric and often the worst in human nature. And there appears to be no consistency. Refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine have been broadly welcomed, others from Africa and perceived “economic migrants” less so.

John Bridgeman’s sculpture speaks powerfully into that debate. We don’t know where this woman and child came from, but we see the struggle, pain and exhaustion on their faces and in their posture. Who would become a refugee, leaving the certainties of family, home and community, out of choice? Not they.

The Bible is clear what our response as Christians must be. As early as when the people of Israel were in exile, God says:

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Leviticus 19: 33-34)

And Jesus, reflecting on how God will judge us all by our actions, commends those of whom it can be said:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. (Matthew 25:35)

So let us commit to having open hearts and minds as we lift up in prayer all refugees and displaced people, and as we seek to welcome any who settle in our communities.

Almighty and merciful God,

whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;

look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,

homeless and hungry.

Bless those who work to bring them relief;

inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;

and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(A prayer from the Church of England.)

Philip Clarke