"The role of the Churches is that of educating the consciences" of individuals, communities, politicians, "so that the migratory phenomenon may be felt and faced in a new manner". Mgr. Nicholas Di Marzio, bishop of Brooklyn (New York), reviews the American demographic scene that "in today’s global scenario" is similar in many respects to that of the old continent. As he spoke last night in Brussels at the workshop on "Migration in an interconnected world: what impact on the EU", promoted by Comece (Commission of the EU Bishops Conferences), Di Marzio listed the many aspects connected to the flows of populations, recalling that "there are different reasons for such a choice. There are those who move on their own will to improve their professional or social status"; but above all "there are plenty of people who are forced to move, at the cost of heavy sacrifices and abandonment", to escape starvation, war or persecution. According to the bishop, then, "the phenomenon must be thoroughly understood" so that measures can be taken in different spheres: aid to poor countries for development and for preventing migration; "welcoming those who come to our countries"; cultural and social assimilation. (to be continued)
