LWF and A World of Neighbours showcase people offering protection and support for vulnerable on Europe’s borders
(LWI) - What would you do if a complete stranger knocked on your door and asked for your help? That is the question posed by Dutch theologian and artist, Rikko Voorberg, in a new podcast which will be launched by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in the lead up to World Refugee Day on 20 June.
Travelling to some of Europe’s remotest borders, where migrants and asylum seekers are routinely turned back and treated like criminals, Voorberg speaks with people who have opened their doors and have provided help to those seeking shelter and a safe place to live.
The podcast "Living as Neighbors” is the result of those conversations, an initiative of the LWF in collaboration with A World of Neighbours practioners network (LINK below) which serves migration workers across Europe. The project is supported by the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
Building a society where all can belong and flourish
LWF's director for Theology, Mission and Justice, Rev. Dr Sivin Kit says “the idea of amplifying the voices of practitioners who work directly with people on the move grew out of our 2022 international conference entitled ‘Welcoming the Stranger, Shaping the Future, Living as Neighbors’. Their friendship and service not only inspires us, but also challenges our perspectives on how we can contribute to a society where all can belong and flourish together.” Kit adds: “We desperately need a world where we can live and work alongside those who differ from us, building a better future for all.”
Rikko Voorberg is currently serving as director of A World of Neighbours (LINK below) which was built to support and expand the efforts of people helping migrants and refugees in Europe. It was founded by former Church of Sweden Archbishop Antje Jackelén as a practical response to the Syrian refugee crisis which engulfed the European continent in 2015.
Voorberg travelled along the eastern side of Europe, from the Greek island of Lesbos to Bosnia and the border between Poland and Belarus, talking to people who have responded to the needs of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers looking for safety and decent living conditions. Some of the people he speaks with have saved lives, working on the frontlines of emergencies, others are providing longer-term integration and support. All of them are driven by the sense of common humanity that they share with these people on the move.
At Europe’s borders, our values are put to the test and the comfort of our lives is challenged.
Rikko Voorberg, director of A World of Neighbours
“To be human, in these situations, is not simple. It requires courage, practice and a lot of love,” Voorberg reflects. “At Europe’s borders, our values are put to the test and the comfort of our lives is challenged. Nothing can prepare you for these situations – or maybe something can. Listening to honest and raw testimonies from people that made the choice to be a neighbor to people in need.”
The first episode of the podcast will be launched on 7 May with a webinar featuring Voorberg and two of his interviewees who will share insights on the challenges and rewards of their experiences with people on the move. Episodes will be published weekly on our Podcast page.