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Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME)

Message of the 2021 CCME (extraordinary) General Assembly
Together we can save a million vulnerable humans in Europe again!
We met as the extraordinary General Assembly of the Churches´ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) from 14th to 16th October 2021 in Brussels representing 41 Churches, Councils of Churches and related organisations from across Europe.
We are worried. The global public has in recent months been following with shock, despair and anger how desperate…Read more.
Time to Get Resettlement Moving!

CCME and 5 other European civil society networks appeal to EU “Time to get Resettlement Moving” ahead of EU resettlement forum and the 70th Anniversary of the 1951 Geneva Convention. They request EU institutions and EU member states to do their utmost to reach their 2020 target of resettling 30,000 persons of concern by the end of 2021, as pledged at the Global Refugee Forum in December 2019. Read more…

 

Mapping Migration, Mapping Churches’ Responses in Europe

Migration contributes to a more diverse Christian presence in Europe as well as to a more diverse religious landscape in many countries. Through migration, minority churches in some countries are growing. The current study Mapping Migration, Mapping Churches’ Responses in Europe, Being Church Together attempts to provide information on actual immigration and emigration figures for twenty‐two European countries, and seeks to identify the diversity of Christian presence.

 

Call to commemorate refugees who lost their lives in the Mediterranean
On the occasion of the World Refugee Day observed on 20 June, CEC and CCME appeal to the churches across Europe to commemorate the persons who lost their lives on their way to Europe. …Read more ; French Version (thanks to Evelyn Tatu for the translation). Some material is also available: ENGLISH; FRENCH (translation Evelyn Tatu)
Dr Torsten Moritz urges EU to welcome refugees after Lesbos camp blaze
“Christian group” comments on the proposed EU asylum and migration pact

CCME in a coalition of 8 Christian organisations has published 5 comment papers on the proposals for the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.
Please find underneath the reactions on:
– The pact in general
– Proposals on pre entry screening and border procedures
– Return and readmission
– Search and rescue & criminalisation of solidarity
– Solidarity

CCME held its Written General Assembly, 16 October 2020

The Churches´ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) on 16th October held its written general assembly. Due to the COVID pandemic the assembly was held in a written format, with CCME member having cast their votes in advance. The Christian Council of Norway and the Armenian Roundtable Foundation were accepted into the membership of CCME. The assembly also …Read more   

 

Advocacy statement on the situation of migrants and refugees in Europe

Picture Jeffrey

European and global church networks on eve of EU migration pact “reject the discourse and politics of fear and deterrence, … adopt a principled stance and compassionate practice”. Joint advocacy letter to Dr Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Mr Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission for Promoting our European Way of Life and Mrs Ylva Johansson , European Commissioner for Home Affairs …Read more , German version

 

 

Resettlement can’t wait!
Ahead of the publication of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum on 23 September and the Resettlement Forum on 9 October, we appeal to the EU institutions and member states to urgently revive and increase resettlement efforts. After necessary travel restrictions brought resettlement to a standstill for several months this year, international travel is …Read more
Dr Torsten Moritz urges EU to welcome refugees after Lesbos camp blaze
The General Secretary of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), Dr Torsten Moritz conveys thoughts and prayers over the recent fire in Greece’s largest migrant camp, in the overcrowded Moria facility on the island of Lesbos. In his message he strongly urges to end the “hot spot approach”, advocating for “Safe Passages” in Europe.
‘I CAN’T BREATHE’ – We can defeat racism, together!

A graffiti tag on a train in Belgium honouring George Floyd

Rev Arlington Trotman, former moderator of CCME and former secretary of the Churches´ Commission for Racial Justice in the UK highlights the significance of racist incidents in the USA for Europe. He underlines the need for churches and societies in Europe to address racism in Europe as well as Europe´s colonial legacy. While Rev Trotman´s article mainly refers to the UK, we hope that it inspires reflection and action across Europe. Please read the article

 

 

Urgent appeal for the evacuation of the Greek refugee camps
We urge the immediate evacuation of the refugee camps and hotspots on the Greek islands to avert a catastrophe amidst the coronavirus pandemic. More than 42,000 people are trapped on the islands in hopelessly overcrowded camps and in horrific …Read more
Justice for Roma and Sinti: a challenge for Churches
About 35 people gathered in Budapest, Hungary, from 9-11 March 2020 to reflect on the churches’ history, relationship and interaction with the Roma and Sinti communities. The conference, organised by the Churches’ Commission for…Read more
Churches on EU-Turkey border: Show solidarity, respect rights and human dignity
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have expressed deep concern on rising tensions at the EU-Turkey border. Speaking from Brussels, general secretaries of both European ecumenical organisations voiced alarm over reports of violence against persons trying to cross border between Turkey and EU countries, and those who are assisting them.
“We urge solidarity and respect for human rights and...Read more
Open letter from Churches in Britain to Churches in member states of the European Union
In a joint statement, leaders and representatives of British Church denominations and networks speak together as the UK prepares to leave the European Union on 31 January:
At 11pm GMT on Friday the 31st of January 2020, the United Kingdom will no longer be a member of the European Union. The UK is leaving the EU, but …read more: CZ ; FR ; DE ; IT; ES 
European asylum and migration policy: Exercise solidarity, share responsibility, show leadership
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have urged heads of the European Institutions to exercise solidarity, share responsibility, show leadership in regard to European asylum and migration policy. The two ecumenical organisations have issued a joint letter on 6 December…Read more
Joint letter calling on Nordic and Baltic involvement in European disembarkation and relocation arrangements
Stories and images of people stranded on boats in the Mediterranean have long been covering news outlets. People are stuck on boats for weeks without adequate support such as water, food, and medical care and ultimately risk being denied access to asylum procedures. The ad hoc “boat-by-boat” approach, negotiating disembarkation of…Read more
Letter to EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs on safe and regular pathways, search & rescue and fair responsibility sharing
Our organisations represent Churches throughout Europe – Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant and others – as well as specialised ministries of Christian churches working in the humanitarian field and in the field of migration and refugees. As Churches and Christian…Read more
Call to commemorate refugees who lost their lives in the Mediterranean
On the occasion of the World Refugee Day observed on 20 June, the Conference of European Churches together with the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) has issued a call to churches and parishes across Europe to hold services commemorating “those who have died on their journey to find …Read more. ENGLISH   FRENCH , GERMAN 
Europe: It’s OUR future -Church Action in the 2019 European Parliament Elections
In the run up to the European Parliament elections, to be held from 23 to 26 May 2019, the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have developed a tool titled Europe: It’s OUR future – Church Action in the 2019 European Parliament elections to encourage …Read more. DUTCH ,  FRENCH , GERMAN , ITALIAN

 

This Christmas, European church leaders unite for refugees and migrants
In the spirit of Christmas, European church leaders are affirming the values of dignity, respect and compassion for refugees and migrants. Today a strong Christmas statement signed by church leaders from Europe and beyond was jointly issued by the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and was presented to Mairead McGuinness, First Vice-President of the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more..The Statement is available in CZECH, ENGLISH, ESTONIAN, FINNISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, GREEK, ITALIAN, RUSSIAN, SWEDISH
Stop hotspot approach, create safe passages: Church asylum experts gather in Athens
A meeting of 150 asylum experts from churches and civil society drew strong criticism of current European asylum policies and plans in this area. The 15th European Asylum Conference took place in Athens from 15 to 20 October at the invitation of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe and Diakonie Deutschland. The conference started on Chios, one of the Aegean islands where the so-called…read more
No Refugee Guantanamo: Churches call for safe passage following EU summit
Churches in Europe have reacted with disappointment to the outcomes of yesterday’s European Union summit mainly addressing migration. General Secretary elect of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), Torsten Moritz, criticised the conclusions of the European Council held on 28 June in Brussels. “Once again the summit has missed the chance to discuss how….read more
Churches called to commemorate lives lost seeking safety
Since 2000, more than 30,000 people have died on their way to Europe, drowning at sea or in rivers, or suffocating in trucks and ships. Recent events relating to the rescue ship Aquarius underscore that some policy makers are not prioritising the lives and wellbeing of those stranded at sea. This refusal to receive points to moral bankruptcy and the failure to enact European values. Against these trends, churches must continue to….read more
Conference of experts confirms churches’ role in creating welcoming and integrating societies
The biblical imperative to welcome the stranger was at the heart of a Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) conference in Prague (Czech Republic) this week. The event brought together more than 70 representatives from Czech, Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech churches, governments, UNHCR, regional non-governmental organisations, and delegates to the CCME General Assembly, which follows on 23 and 24 June. The opening session of the conference focussed on the Czech context and good practices emerging from church and diaconal...read more

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Press 2016-2018

2018

All are born free and equal

On 10 December 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in Paris (France). This historic milestone in international human rights law continues as a source of inspiration for states and people in the fight for the dignity of all. “The Universal Declaration has helped countless people gain greater freedoms and equality,” said UN High Commissioner for Human…Read more

This Christmas, European church leaders unite for refugees and migrants

In the spirit of Christmas, European church leaders are affirming the values of dignity, respect and compassion for refugees and migrants. Today a strong Christmas statement signed by church leaders from Europe and beyond was jointly issued by the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and was presented to Mairead McGuinness, First Vice-President of the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more… CZECH, ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, GREEK, ITALIAN, RUSSIAN, SWEDISH

Stop hotspot approach, create safe passages: Church asylum experts gather in Athens

A meeting of 150 asylum experts from churches and civil society drew strong criticism of current European asylum policies and plans in this area. The 15th European Asylum Conference took place in Athens from 15 to 20 October at the invitation of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe and Diakonie Deutschland. The conference started on Chios, one of the Aegean islands where the so-called…read more

No Refugee Guantanamo: Churches call for safe passage following EU summit

Churches in Europe have reacted with disappointment to the outcomes of yesterday’s European Union summit mainly addressing migration. General Secretary elect of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), Torsten Moritz, criticised the conclusions of the European Council held on 28 June in Brussels. “Once again the summit has missed the chance to discuss how….read more

Churches called to commemorate lives lost seeking safety

Since 2000, more than 30,000 people have died on their way to Europe, drowning at sea or in rivers, or suffocating in trucks and ships. Recent events relating to the rescue ship Aquarius underscore that some policy makers are not prioritising the lives and wellbeing of those stranded at sea. This refusal to receive points to moral bankruptcy and the failure to enact European values. Against these trends, churches must continue to….read more

2017

Have No Fear – But Hope

We see expressions of hope in those multiple prayers and actions of European citizens that have supported the common good. They are working to share Christian principles of solidarity, peace, generosity and the imperative to welcome the stranger. We have seen hope in the contribution of hundreds of thousands of people across Europe. Many people are….Read more

Conference of experts confirms churches’ role in creating welcoming and integrating societies

The biblical imperative to welcome the stranger was at the heart of a Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) conference in Prague (Czech Republic) this week. The event brought together more than 70 representatives from Czech, Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech churches, governments, UNHCR, regional non-governmental organisations, and delegates to the CCME General Assembly, which follows on 23 and 24 June. The opening session of the conference focussed on the Czech context and good practices emerging from church and diaconal...read more

Commemorating lives lost on the way to safety

Since 2000, more than 30 000 migrants and refugees have lost their lives on their way to Europe, often drowning at sea or suffocating in containers on trucks and ships. Churches throughout Europe have responded through intensive solidarity and humanitarian efforts at Europe’s borders and by advocating for safe and legal passage. The Christian response has also included widespread ….Read more

Ending discrimination, working for reconciliation: Statement for International Roma Day

Saturday, 8 April marks International Roma Day, established to recognise and honour Romani people and celebrate their culture. In Europe this year, the day follows an EU Roma week with events organised in the European Parliament in Brussels and across Europe to raise awareness about their struggle for justice and...read more

29th International Seminar on Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counselling

When Martin Luther 500 years ago in the small university town of Wittenberg fought against religious paternalism, dependency and exploitation, he put a reformatory movement in transition. He stood up for personal self-determination in a trusting relationship to God. In his theological reflection, the freedom of humans and of service to others belonged together.

With this International Seminar in Wittenberg we would like to join the renewed impetus of the Reformation and ask what...read more

2016

Being Church in Europe Today: Migration through a theological lens
Migration touches all aspects of church life in Europe today. From social and diaconal action, to liturgical life, pastoral care, and theological reflection, churches are responding and adapting to the movement of migrants within Europe and from beyond its borders. These changing landscapes were the focus of a recent consultation convened by … Read more
Refugees and Communication Rights in Europe

New project to assess media portrayal of refugees in Europe and promote their rights to speak on their own behalf

As increasing numbers of people are seeking refuge in Europe, a new project aims to promote the rights of refugees to speak on their own behalf, to assess their portrayal in the media and uphold good journalistic practices, and to raise the visibility of refugee voices and networks. Launched on 1 December by the World Association for Christian Communication – Europe (WACC Europe) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), the project will:…Read more
CCME Executive Committee expresses its concern at erosion of protection of refugees in Europe

At its meeting in Athens, Greece from 24 to 26 October 2016 the Executive Committee of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) learned about the current situation with regard to refugees in Greece and heard reports from other European countries. Many governments and authorities in European countries have recognised the protection need of refugees, especially from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, but increasingly grant subsidiary status rather than full refugee protection status. A year ago, more than 90% of Syrian and Iraqi refugees received refugee protection status, while in 2016 more than half are only granted ….read more

Churches stand with refugees as world leaders meet at UN summit

Today, 19 September, the UN General Assembly is hosting a historic high-level summit addressing the large movement of refugees and migrants at its headquarters in New York (USA). Here heads of states from all regions of the world, as well as international observers will work toward a more coordinated approach to growing worldwide refugee crises. Read more…

ACT Alliance, WCC, CCME and CWWM Statement on the UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants

The ACT Alliance , World Council of Churches (WCC) , Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) , and Churches Witnessing With Migrants (CWWM)  welcome the initiative of the United Nations Secretary General to convene on the 19th of September a summit for addressing large movements of refugees and migrants. There is hope among global civil society that it will provide an opportunity to kick-start a process towards real and substantive improvements in government responses to the situation of refugees, migrants, and the world’s displaced. The Summit on the Global Refugee Crisis…read more

NGOs strongly condemn new EU policies to contain migration

At the upcoming European Council, European Union (EU) leaders will discuss the European Commission’s Communication on a new Partnership Framework with third countries. The Communication proposes an approach which aims to leverage existing EU and Member States’ external cooperation instruments and tools in order to stem migration to Europe. The undersigned organisations express their grave concern about the direction the EU is taking by making ….read more

CCME joins the Alliance against Antigypsyism

The Alliance against Antigypsyism is a coalition of organisations that promote equality of rights for Roma, to advance a better understanding of antigypsyism. The Alliance counts more seventy members from across Europe. The Alliance counts more seventy members from across Europe and its reference paper was launched on 5th July 2016 to stir the debate about the nature and implications of antigypsyism.  For more information please visit: www.antigypsyism.eu

Porajmos: Remembering Roma lives lost during World War II

Today, 2 August, marks Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the extermination of more than 3,000 Roma children, men, and women at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944. On this day the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) recall this event, honour the memory of those who died, and encourage all to work for reconciliation with the 10 to 12 million Roma people living in Europe. Read more…

Reject dangerous migration response plan

The European Union is set to open a dark chapter in its history unless it rejects the European Commission’s proposal on migration, a coalition of more than 100 NGOs warned on Monday. Shifting towards a foreign policy that serves the single objective of curbing migration, the EU and its member states risk further undermining  their credibility and authority in the defence of human rights, the organizations say. They call on European leaders to reject the Commission proposal that would …read more

World Refugee Day: “Have No Fear” – Churches call for intensified efforts

Photo: E. Kabalisa/CCME

Today, 20 June, is World Refugee Day. The United Nations estimates that every minute 8 people flee from war, persecution, or terror. This day is observed to bring attention to their collective struggle and to address the widespread global displacement of millions of people….read more. 

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Press 2013-2015

2015

2014

CCME 50th Anniversary

Recalling the past, meeting the challenges of the future

Message by Anders Wejryd, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Sweden and Europe President of WCC:

For fifty years CCME has served modern societies and old churches, which both have to face the needs of uprooted people in respect for their individuality and traditions.
Churches are vital for integration and they are among the most efficient tools for integration. We, as church people, can affect the use of this vital and efficient tool. If we are inspired by Jesus, we do see “the Other” and when we see “the Other” we may see Jesus.  A video message can be accessed on the following link:   https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/87584620/CCMEgreeting_AW.zip

                                             

2013

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