Christian leaders from around the world discussed the issue of migration, its effect on the church, and how the church should respond to migrants this week during a conference held in Lebanon.

“Migration is a fact of life. It is as much an instinct to survive as it is an inevitable consequence of globalization,” declared participants of the Public Hearing on Migration and the Changing Ecclesial Landscape, April 15-16, in Beirut, Lebanon.

During discussions on how the church should deal with migrants, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, said, “Welcoming the stranger is not optional for Christians. Nor is it conditional.”

“Migration is a courageous expression of an individual’s will to overcome adversity and live a better life,” Kid-arn said.

He promoted providing legal channels of migration and employment that meets national standards as the “most effective way to prevent trafficking.”