What does solidarity mean to you?
If you were asked to define solidarity, I am sure that most of us would end up somewhere in the region of togetherness – of walking alongside or standing shoulder to shoulder with others for a shared cause or belief. But if we were to distil the idea down further then we may quickly find that solidarity, or rather acts of solidarity, can take on many forms or mean quite different things to different people.
Often, when we think about acts of solidarity it is big and loud actions such as protests, marches, demonstrations, petitions that come to mind first … all of which are important and vital forms of solidarity. Certainly, the recent news of the UK’s intention to try and water down the convention on Human Rights, the latest of many ways we seemingly try to blame others and create division in society to deal with much larger societal issues, should be cause to mobilise large acts of solidarity. But it is also important to remember that solidarity can be found in much quieter acts.
Reflecting on solidarity ahead of this year’s International Human Solidarity Day, my mind was drawn to a particular favourite film of mine – Pride. In one scene Paddy Considine, playing striking miner and representative of the Miners Support Group Dai Donovan, gives a speech to a somewhat hostile crowd thanking them for a small amount of support during the ongoing miners strike. Dai says “What you have given us is more than money, it’s friendship. And when you are in a battle against an enemy so much bigger, so much stronger than you. To find out you had a friend you never knew existed, well that’s the best feeling in the world.”
This quote always reminds me of two very important things. Firstly, building friendships or connections is a reminder that people are not alone in the battles they face and are often the strongest acts of solidarity. And secondly, what may seem like a small or insignificant act on our part can have a much stronger impact than we could have thought.
As a legal caseworker at JRS UK, I work with people who have had their asylum claim refused, which is often in part due to their account of what happened not being believed. Thanks to the array of support that can be accessed at JRS UK, I am able to take time with refugee friends to talk through and listen to their accounts knowing that some of their other immediate needs – accommodation, food, clothing – are already covered. Whether we are able to help someone progress their immigration case will vary but, given the culture of disbelief that is pervasive within Home Office Decision Making, hopefully the space to speak and feel heard is one small way that refugee friends can find JRS UK standing in solidarity with them.
As we approach the end of Advent, our Advent Appeal reminds us that at the heart of the Christmas story is the story of new parents making the incredibly difficult but necessary decision to cross borders to seek safety for their new child. When we reflect on the Christmas story this year, we remember all those families forced into a similar situation in an attempt to find a better and safer life for themselves. I also invite you to reflect on how the Christmas Story is also a call to act – to open our hearts and homes to those in need. As we look towards the new year, how might we build solidarity to counter division and othering? Possibly by small acts of connection and friendship.
This International Human Solidarity Day, what small act of friendship can you offer to someone who needs it?
Prayer for solidarity inspired by the Holy Family
God of Love and Mercy,
On this International Human Solidarity Day, we turn to the example of the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus – who knew what it meant to seek refuge and safety in a foreign land.
Lord, as they journeyed in uncertainty, You were their guide and their hope. Today, countless families walk similar paths, fleeing danger and longing for peace. Help us to stand in solidarity with them: in words, in politics, and in small actions of compassion and welcome.
May we open our hearts and homes, and may we see Your face in every stranger we meet.
Strengthen us to build bridges where others build walls, to offer hope where fear divides, and to walk shoulder to shoulder with people who feel forgotten.
We remember our Lord was Himself a refugee, calling us to love without borders.
Amen.
