The joint declaration signed by Francis, Bartholomew and Ieronymos reads: “The tragedy of forced migration and displacement affects millions, and is fundamentally a crisis of humanity, calling for a response of solidarity, compassion, generosity and an immediate practical commitment of resources.” The text is an appeal to the international community. Leaders “urge all countries” to “extend temporary asylum, to offer refugee status to those who are eligible”.
“World opinion cannot ignore the colossal humanitarian crisis”. At the end of the meeting with refugees at Moria refugee camp and before lunching with some of them, Francis, Bartholomew and Ieronymos signed a joint declaration, an appeal to the world, which is also an important ecumenical sign.
“We have met on the Greek island of Lesbos,” the three religious leaders write, “to demonstrate our profound concern for the tragic situation of the numerous refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who have come to Europe fleeing from situations of conflict and, in many cases, daily threats to their survival.”
“World opinion cannot ignore the colossal humanitarian crisis,” Francis, Bartholomew and Ieronymos state, “created by the spread of violence and armed conflict, the persecution and displacement of religious and ethnic minorities, and the uprooting of families from their homes, in violation of their human dignity and their fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
“The tragedy of forced migration and displacement,” the declaration goes on to say, “affects millions, and is fundamentally a crisis of humanity, calling for a response of solidarity, compassion, generosity and an immediate practical commitment of resources. From Lesbos, we appeal to the international community to respond with courage in facing this massive humanitarian crisis and its underlying causes, through diplomatic, political and charitable initiatives, and through cooperative efforts, both in the Middle East and in Europe.”
The three leaders acknowledge “the efforts already being made to provide help and care to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, we call upon all political leaders to employ every means to ensure that individuals and communities, including Christians, remain in their homelands and enjoy the fundamental right to live in peace and security”.
“A broader international consensus and an assistance programme are urgently needed to uphold the rule of law, to defend fundamental human rights in this unsustainable situation, to protect minorities, to combat human trafficking and smuggling, to eliminate unsafe routes, such as those through the Aegean and the entire Mediterranean, and to develop safe resettlement procedures. In this way we will be able to assist those countries directly engaged in meeting the needs of so many of our suffering brothers and sisters. In particular, we express our solidarity with the people of Greece, who despite their own economic difficulties, have responded with generosity to this crisis.”
In the document, Francis, Bartholomew and Ieronymos write: “together we solemnly plead for an end to war and violence in the Middle East, a just and lasting peace and the honourable return of those forced to abandon their homes. We ask religious communities to increase their efforts to receive, assist and protect refugees of all faiths, and that religious and civil relief services work to coordinate their initiatives. For as long as the need exists, we urge all countries to extend temporary asylum, to offer refugee status to those who are eligible, to expand their relief efforts and to work with all men and women of good will for a prompt end to the conflicts in course.”
“Europe today faces one of its most serious humanitarian crises since the end of the Second World War. To meet this grave challenge,” the three Christian leaders write, “we appeal to all followers of Christ to be mindful of the Lord’s words, on which we will one day be judged: ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink.’ We firmly and wholeheartedly resolve to intensify our efforts to promote the full unity of all Christians.”
The end of the text is significant, as the three religious leaders reaffirm their “conviction that ‘reconciliation [among Christians] involves promoting social justice within and among all peoples… Together we will do our part towards giving migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers a humane reception in Europe’.”
“We urge the international community,” the final appeal reads, “to make the protection of human lives a priority and, at every level, to support inclusive policies which extend to all religious communities. The terrible situation of all those affected by the present humanitarian crisis, including so many of our Christian brothers and sisters, calls for our constant prayer.”
