Perspectief 2017-36

2017-36 JT Chapter 2: Lutheran responses 25 Reageer 1. The Lutheran World Federation While Lutheran churches do not acknowledge one religious leader comparable to the position of pope and do not profess one social teaching, most of them are united in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). In the past the LWF has issued several statements on the topic of refugees, and its Department for World Service is involved in aid to two million refugees around the world, not only in their countries of destination but also in their countries of origin. Stating “it is crucial to remember that only a very small percentage of the 60 million refugees even try to come to Europe,” 82 the department encourages long- term political solutions and peace building in conflict areas. At the same time however, it funds psychological aid to refugees arriving in Southern and Eastern Europe and distributes items such as blankets to alleviate immediate physical needs. It also calls on European political leaders to take action in line with the commitments they made when signing the 1951 Geneva Convention, noting that receiving and helping refugees is not merely a “moral obligation” but also a legal one. 83 The European Lutheran churches consider the welcoming of refugees in their countries theologically “natural”, calling the hospitable attitude of churches a “prophetic presence”, in the sense that such behaviour helps bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth. The LWF feels encouraged by the opinion of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who recognises the vital role of the churches and their leaders in humanitarian crises like the current on e 83 . The Christian task in this context is twofold: not only immediate practical aid to refugees but also on-going advocacy in favour of the recognition of each person’s dignity and against xenophobia. In this light, the LWF proposes three concrete suggestions to European governments: 82 Lutheran World Federation (2015) “What have you done or failed to do for one of these?” accessed June 1, 2016 at https://www.lutheranworld.org/news/what-have-you-done-or-failed-do-one-these. 83 Lutheran World Federation (2015) Letter to the LWF member churches in Europe accessed June 1, 2016 a t https://www.lutheranworld.org/sites/default/files/150904gs_letter_to_european_mc_3.pdf.