The vast wave of new immigration, particularly from Eastern Europe, is raising a number of key issues for the churches.

• welcome in their congregations
• relating to 'immigrant congregations' worshipping in other languages and providing a cultural as well as a spiritual home to their members
• relating to denominations in other countries who send ministers to this country for their people here

There are also issues about which Christians generally are concerned

• the influence of immigration on local communities both in cities and in rural areas
• the welfare of immigrant communities who suffer isolation and prejudice
• the risk of exploitation in employment and other areas of life
• the heightened challenge to the cohesion of communities

There are delicate balances to be made between 'inclusion' into British society and enabling people to be themselves, with their own cultures and opportunity to worship within their own customs.