The focus of this article is on the welcome to the stranger that is one of the key aspects of the Christian teaching to love your neighbour. We will discuss the life and teaching of Jesus in relation to this welcome and also provide an overview of the early Christian Church as a people on a journey. We will then discuss some of the important points raised in Catholic Social Teaching that pertain to the welcome to the stranger. Stephen J. McKinney and Honor Hania are from the University of Glasgow, Robert J. Hill is parish priest of St Matthew’s, Bishopbriggs