Migrant Drownings: LWF Expresses Its Shock and Distress

Renews Call for a European Welcome

GENEVA, 7 October 2013 (LWI) – Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge has expressed shock and distress at the latest tragic drownings of migrants seeking to reach the shores of Europe. Over the past days, more than 200 people have lost their lives off the island of Lampedusa and another 13 people off the shore of Sicily. Many more are missing at sea.

Nearly every day, a boat containing desperate migrants attempts to reach the southern shores of Europe. More than 30,000 people have landed in Italy during the first nine months of this year. Tragically, an unknown number of others have died at sea. The majority of these persons are fleeing the violence and oppression of Syria, Eritrea, and Somalia.

In 2011, the LWF Council expressed its concern “that many countries, especially some that are wealthy, are not offering as generous a welcome as they could to vulnerable people who have been forced to flee from their homes. This can be a matter of life and death, as is now seen with migrants drowning in the Mediterranean. In the current circumstances in North Africa and the Middle East, the Council calls especially on countries in Europe to offer protection to those seeking asylum,” stated the LWF Council.

“It is a disgrace that what was said two years ago can be said again today,” said Junge, “A disgrace that vulnerable people must still desperately risk their lives to seek refuge.”

“In 2013 the LWF Council endorsed the interfaith document ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ which calls on all faith leaders to work for welcoming communities for those seeking refuge on their shores,” stated Junge. “The LWF stands by its commitment to welcome the stranger wherever in the world we are present. We call on European leaders and governments to do the same,” said the General Secretary.

The General Secretary gave thanks for the witness of Pope Francis, who chose Lampedusa for his first Papal visit outside Rome. The General Secretary also gave thanks for those faith-based organizations who raise up this issue, noting especially the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, which has long spoken out about the terrible consequences of Europe closing its borders. “The call to love and serve our neighbor is a call we share with our sisters and brothers in all the Christian churches,” said Junge.

“In this time of tragedy and grief,” Junge concluded, “I call upon our member churches to join me in praying for the migrants, for the families and loved ones of those who have died, and for all those who are reaching out a hand of compassion to welcome the stranger.”