Welcoming the Stranger: Myal Greene on the Church and the Global Refugee Crisis
Good Faith
Defining What a Refugee Is
Curtis asks 'What exactly is a refugee?' and Myal Greene explains legal definitions and how refugees differ from other migrants.
A Christian Case For Why Refugees Matter
Host Curtis Chang sits down with Myal Greene, President & CEO of World Relief, to discuss the global refugee crisis, U.S. immigration policy, and how the church can lead the way in offering hope, welcome, and advocacy. Greene explains what defines a refugee, why record numbers are displaced worldwide, and how faith communities—from the Vietnamese boatlift era to modern Good Neighbor Teams—have transformed lives through radical hospitality. Together, they unpack the biblical call to "welcome the stranger", explore how refugees strengthen churches, and share practical ways to get involved through initiatives like World Relief's Churches of Welcome.
(02:11) - What Is a Refugee?
(08:31) - The U.S. Churches' Historical Role in Resettlement
(14:22) - The Christian Case For Helping Refugees
(23:26) - Christians Are Immigrants
(29:20) - The Ramifications of Policy Changes
(43:15) - A Final Word from Myal Greene
Episode Guide for Personal and Group Study
Download World Relief's: "Let's Talk About It" conversation cards
Partner with World Relief in walking alongside families displaced by war, disaster and persecution — give today: World Relief
Donate to Redeeming Babel
Mentioned In This Episode:
- 2025 Evangelical Views on Immigration Study (Lifeway Research)
- Notre Dame Study on the Economic Benefits of Refugees in America
- Learn about Vietnamese Boat Crisis & Boat People
- What is the Refugee Act of 1980
- Facts about Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
- Learn More about Evelyn Mangham
- Learn more about National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)
Scripture Mentioned:
- Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV)
- Leviticus 23:22 (ESV)
- Luke 10:25–37; Matthew 25:34–40; James 1:27 (ESV) - The Good Samaritan
More From Myal Greene and World Relief:
- Learn more about World Relief
- Become a World Relief Volunteer
- Join World Relief's Good Neighbor Teams
- Give to Open Doors (Organization collaborating with World Relief)
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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of Redeeming Babel, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Redeeming Babel.
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