Refugees assume serious risks in trying to reach safety. At the same time, fears arise in European countries concerning the stability of societies and their ‘way of life’. These fears are increasingly used and manipulated by populist, nationalist political movements stoking the fire of insecurity and xenophobia. The so-called refugee crisis is treated as a security issue rather than a humanitarian one, and this has to be challenged; this is preventing progress gives reason to the fear people have, as real needs are not met, writes the Luntern Conference of the World Council of Churches.
Churches
The Role of Churches in Interfaith Dialogue
Before considering the role of churches in interfaith dialogue, it is important to note the key role played by religion in the communities and societies of our region, said he Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Revd Suheil Dawani, at the Carter Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Jerusalem – and the Middle East more generally – is a place where religion is integral to the identity of individuals, families, communities and national societies.
Queensland: Mosques to offer Sanctuary
Queensland’s Islamic community has vowed to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with “Christian brothers and sisters” to protect asylum seekers from being returned to offshore detention centres, “even if it means our arrest”.