Archbishop John McDowell of Armagh addressed the Church of Ireland General Synod at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle. The synod began on May 7. He stated that treatment of migrants ranks as a key test of Christian faithfulness in coming years.

McDowell drew on St Paul's teachings in Galatians about equality among all people regardless of nationality, race, gender or status. He noted that both church and society have not fully applied these principles, especially in migration and racial equality.

He described attitudes toward migration in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as a measure of Christian authenticity. Christians hold a duty to welcome and care for migrants and refugees, he said.

McDowell rejected far-right claims that migration seeks to dispossess Irish people or create a Muslim state. Migrants arrive seeking security, education and stability for their children, much like historical Irish emigrants driven by hunger or pursuit of freedom.

PSNI statistics show 2024-25 recorded the highest racist violence in Northern Ireland since monitoring started in 2004, up almost 50% from the prior year, McDowell stated. Racially motivated incidents have also risen in the Republic of Ireland.

He referenced the Good Samaritan parable as defining neighborly duty to care for strangers despite ethnic differences. McDowell questioned protests outside asylum seeker accommodations with children inside.

The archbishop criticized groups using Christian symbols for dominance and exclusion. He warned that the church's handling of migrants and marginalized groups will shape its credibility.