A declaration of intent was presented at Malmö Arena on Monday, October 31, to boost collaborative efforts to help refugees and aid reconciliation, peace and sustainable development
It was the first fruit of the day at the end of Francis’ first day in Sweden. After the ecumenical event, a declaration of intent was signed in Malmö Arena by Michel Roy of Caritas Internationalis and Maria Immonen, director of the World Service of the Lutheran World Federation. Its purpose is to reinforce common efforts in favour of the poor, refugees and sustainable development.
In the preamble, the document recalls that Caritas Internationalis was established in 1951 as an umbrella organisation for the Catholic Church and has confederated 165 national Caritas organisations in 200 countries. “It promotes a civilisation of love, in service and defence of the poor.” The Lutheran World Federation “has been engaged in diakonia and service since its foundation in 1947. World Service, the diaconal wing of the LWF focuses above all on the needs of refugees and the internally displaced in need of humanitarian assistance”.
“Caritas Internationalis and the LWF World Service have worked together on several occasions during the past decades in many countries and regions addressing the root causes of poverty and humanitarian crises.” On the occasion of the commemoration of the 500 years of the Reformation, the two entities wish to take a step forward in their common efforts to address these issues.
“We hold,” the declaration of intent reads, “that confessional communities and the organisations with which they engage are uniquely placed to fight extreme poverty in all its dimensions. Not only because these communities are present around the world, but also because when trained, organised and accompanied, they are the best responders to disasters, the best promoters of integral sustainable human development and the best life supporters”.
“What animates us is our faith,” the document goes on to say “and, in a secularized world, this makes an immense difference: courage, commitment, perseverance, taking risks, the certainty that God is with us to confront evil and rebuild lives. As two global Christian organisations working for human dignity and social justice, we decide to join forces. To bring hope. To witness and act together, without being exclusive. And to invite our members to engage with their counterparts and friends locally.”
The purposes outlined in the joint declaration are: to “look for opportunities”, to commit “to cooperate”, engage in “regular strategic discussions” and share learnings, challenges and opportunities”. The areas for co-operation outlined are: refugees, internally displaced people and migrants; peace building and reconciliation; humanitarian preparedness and response; implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and interfaith action and programming. All of this will need to be set in stone in joint meetings and discussions with the help of experts and engaging in common programmes where possible. Caritas Internationalis and the LWF World Service also invite their membership to co-operate and engage in joint programming at national, diocesan and local levels.
