Congratulations to the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Six decades of the organisation’s work was reflected at a conference themed “Beyond Borders” the Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt in December.
The event brought together leaders, theologians, migration practicitioners and ecumenical partners. The United Reformed Church, which shares a valuable partnership with CCME in striving to follow the biblical instruction to “welcome the stranger”, was represented by John East, Chair of Darwen Asylum Refugee Enterprise based at Central United Reformed Church in Darwen in the North Western Synod.
Here, John reflects on the event:
The future of migration is top of the political debate in many countries, including recent policies in the UK to “stop the boats” or “smash the gangs”. As Europe and America rattle with yet more hostility towards migration, we gathered both to celebrate and review how Christian communities across Europe are striving to meet the needs of asylum seekers and refugees, despite aggressive, negative policies imposed by a growing number of European countries.
In her opening remarks, Fiona Kendall, CCME Moderator, welcomed delegates while emphasising the message of Christ was always to welcome the stranger and love your neighbour as yourself.
We heard stories and presentations from all over Europe of how groups of Christians are lobbying for justice, human rights and against injustice.
It was edifying to listen to the passion of these contributions. Here was a gathering of people determined to live out the gospel, even though it often seemed like an uphill battle as they wrestled with national policies. Injustice and humans rights abuse need to be challenged.
Larissa Franz, from Caritas Finland, shared that “the closure of the Eastern border, which stretches for 1,300km, seriously jeopardises the right to seek asylum. This is contrary to international law and our constitution. The reception of migrants and refugees is critical in Europe, requiring a balance of humanitarian obligations and social integration.” This is a challenge to us also in the UK, particularly if our political leaders are inspired to follow the current United States migration policy.
The highlight of my time at the conference was a visit to a local church that supports migrants in a very positive way. Despite financial strains, the Evangelisches Zentrum Am Weißen Stein works most days providing asylum seekers and refugees a lifeline of hope. It provides counselling and therapy for refugees, social and migration advice and a mentoring programme over three sites as part of the Lutheran Mission to the community.
It reminded me of the mission I support in Darwen and encouraged me that although churches may feel it is an uphill battle against hostile government policies, our essential work continues despite fear, opposition and misinformation.
As the conference came to a close, our time of corporate worship centred on asking God to give us the strength to fight injustice, anti-migration rhetoric and policies and indeed to encourage all of Europe to welcome the stranger and adopt a more Christ-like and humanitarian approach – it’s people, not borders, we must protect.
John East is a non-serving Elder and lay preacher in the East Lancashire Mission Partnership.