The Global Reformed Advocacy Platforms for Engagement (GRAPE) expresses deep
concern over recurring incidents of xenophobia, anti-migrant sentiment, and violence
directed at foreign nationals in South Africa and elsewhere on the African continent.

As people of faith committed to justice, human dignity, and the flourishing of all people, we
unequivocally reject all forms of discrimination, exclusion, intimidation, and violence based
on nationality, ethnicity, gender, language, or migration status. Every person is created in the
image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth.

Scripture speaks clearly about our responsibilities towards foreigners and strangers. In
Leviticus 19:33-34, God commands: “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.” Exodus 22:21 reinforces this: “Do
not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

These commands are not optional acts of charity but expressions of God’s justice. They call
us to remember our shared humanity and our common experience of vulnerability.

Read the full statement from GRAPE: