Migrants knocking on Europe’s doors: a challenge of charity and unity for the Church

War, especially when coupled by persecution on religious or ethnic grounds, and by poverty, particularly in countries where political life is extremely unstable, destroy a country’s stability and lead people to migrate, to flee from their homeland to survive. It seems clear, therefore, like any decision or any political proposal aimed at providing a solution to the question of refugees arriving in Europe today, must first of all address the issues that are at the origin of this mass exodus, primarily by promoting development and peace.
When facing the migrant and refugee issue, it is paramount to humbly reflect on the complexity of causes and situations involved. We stand before a phenomenon whose root causes we are not fully aware of, and whose outcomes are unforeseeable even by the States. Given this situation, the States are called to be the first to take on their responsibilities in the management of this “crisis”, thereby adopting political approaches that must not be demagogic. In fact, they possess the means and the information – which the public at large is unaware of – enabling them to properly determine the best response. We call upon the civil authorities to base their decisions on accurate and precise judgment, which takes into account the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity, in addition to the tragedy and all the factors underlying the current situation.
It is a veritable discernment, which first looks at reality as it is and compares it with those indispensable moral principles that must inspire appropriate policies and social actions.

The Church, on her part, is more than an observer.

Starting with Pope Francis himself, many Christians are engaged in accompanying, helping, and when deemed necessary, prophetically attract attention to ensure that no dimension of the human person and of the communities is overlooked. Faith in Jesus Christ, which is Christians’ driving force, wouldn’t be authentic if it failed to prompt the care of other people. As Pope Francis has said on numerous occasions, Christians cannot remain indifferent or idle, or follow the opposite direction driven by pressure groups or ideologies, which, far from being rooted in reality, pursue different goals.
The Church in Europe, and more precisely, the Church in the different European Countries, is present through her many charity works, as highlighted in a recent report drawn up by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), of Europe). It could be said that the Church can do more, but it would be wrong to say that the Church is not committed already. In her actions, the Church must recognize two needs. The first need is unconditional response: wherever there is suffering, there should be intelligent, concrete acts of charity. However, there is also another need and that is Church unity. Unity is manifested in the fact that each and every one of us, drawing from the same faith and the same passion for the human person, is called to propose and effectuate appropriate actions to respond to the particular situations in a constant dialogue with the suffering Churches of departure. The unity we refer to does not repose on the assumption that everyone act in the same way but on the fact that everyone’s life is guided by the Holy Spirit that, given the plurality of circumstances, “builds up the communion and harmony of the people of God” (Francis, Evangelii gaudium 117).
It is necessary to avoid mutual accusations that may be interpreted as the claim that one given community is better than another, or to expect a univocal, conform response, regardless of the diverse social realities characterizing each European Country. For this reason it is essential to further deepen mutual knowledge, as occurs in the meetings organized by international ecclesial bodies. The latter events occasion the sharing of unfolding circumstances, of questions and answers pertaining to every ecclesial reality, and often they provide the opportunity to promote new initiatives and jointly discover new ways for cooperation.
The Message from the CCEE Plenary Assembly in September 2015 constitutes an example of this ecclesial commitment, sensitive to charity and unity. Following close dialogue, the Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences gathered in the Holy Land have felt an increased commitment, solidarity and awareness not only in terms of the need for action, but also as regards the area of their interventions. They declared (Message of the Plenary Assembly, September 16 2015): “The complexity of this exodus, with its inevitable differentiations, demands great attention from the individual States, whose situations are radically different, with the aim of responding promptly to the needs of immediate assistance and welcome of people desperate due to war, persecution, and misery. Through the necessary institutions, the States must maintain public order, guarantee justice for all and offer generous willingness to those truly in need, with a view to respectful and collaborative integration. The commitment of the Churches of Europe is great, and, following the indications of the Holy Father Pope Francis, they are collaborating with the States, who are primarily responsible for the social and economic life of their peoples. The many experiences already underway encourage the pursuit and intensification of every effort.”

(*) CCEE Secretary General