Perspectief 2017-36

Perspectief 36 Werk van jonge theologen on incarnation versus emphasis on the cross and on suffering) filter through and provide the theological horizon upon which is built. All this is not to say that there is no convergence: we can discern a common theological ground between Catholic and Lutheran theology of migration. Both would agree that Christians must follow Christ in his crossing of human borders and place loyalty to his vision for humanity above that to a political party or ideology. In this regard, it is interesting to look at more dissenting or critical voices. Within the Catholic Church these appear to propose arguments similar to Lutherans critical of refugee resettlement in Europe and North America. Both churches have members who are apprehensive of the possible societal, political, economic, demographical and cultural effects of resettling refugees, such as a higher demand for houses, bigger strains on the job market and a larger percentage of Muslim inhabitants. These Catholic and Lutheran individuals share a dilemma between charity and prudence. 2. Practical comparison While the doctrinal rationale behind the Catholic Church’s and the Lutheran World Federation’s perspectives on the refugee crisis appears to be quite different, the convergence in their practical responses to the crisis is striking. Throughout the past decades, both the Holy See and the LWF have called for the admission of people fleeing life-threatening situations into Europe and North America and have made strong appeals to political leaders to make this possible. Beside their public outreach through published statements they are also involved in establishing practical aid to displaced people in their home countries and in Europe and North America. At times Catholic and Lutheran churches and organisations work together. The Catholic lay community Sant’Egidio, for example, has cooperated with several Protestant denominations, including the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Italy, as well as the Italian government in establishing humanitarian corridors for refugees. These allow some of the most vulnerable refugees living in Lebanon, Morocco and Lebanon to fly to