Old Testament
There were laws against the poor treatment of foreigners.

Leviticus 19:33-34 A foreigner must be treated like an Israelite.
There were laws against the exploitation of the poor.
Deut. 24:14-15 Do not take advantage of workers – pay their wages promptly.

The prophets spoke out against the oppression of the poor.

New Testament
The Jews regarded the Samaritans as inferior.
Luke 10:25-37 Jesus caused amazement by making a Samaritan the hero of his story.
This parable also makes the point “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
Jesus employs the principle of Agape when dealing with Samaritans, lepers, tax collectors and prostitutes.

Col 3:5-11 Paul stresses equality in racial matters.
Galatians 3:26-28 Paul again stresses equality even in gender issues.
James 2:1-9 Aware of discrimination in the church, this writer states that Christians should not show preference to the rich and powerful.

More recent issues

In theory Christians have always spoken out against prejudice. In practice though there have been and are some glaring discrepancies.

Slavery.
This was once justified on biblical grounds.
It was abolished by influential religious figures in the nineteenth century.
The Society of Friends (Quakers) always refused to have slave traders and owners as members.

Racial prejudice
Usually condemned by the major churches from the beginning of 20th century.
It persisted in the southern states of America. Combated by the Civil Rights movement. Martin Luther King – killed 1968.

It persisted in South Africa as Apartheid. Opposed by Nelson Mandela – church involvement Trevor Huddleston.

1993 “Rejoicing in Suffering” a Church of England debate to acknowledge the contribution the African churches.

2005 Archbishop John Sentamu – first black Archbishop of York.

Sexism
Eastern Orthodox the Roman Catholic churches still do not ordain women as priests.
Church of England agreed to women becoming priests in 1994 and Bishops in 2005.
Methodists, URC, Salvation Army and others have allowed women to officiate as ministers for some time

Continuing prejudice
Those suffering from Aids are not always welcomed by churches.
Gay Christians