LONDON - 6 July 2007 - 426 words
Churches
issue guide on migration
As a response to the current national and often heated debate
on migration, a British and Irish inter-denominational study group
has devised a set of principles to enable churches to contribute
to the discussion. The principles will also help churches respond
in practical ways to the presence, gifts and needs of migrant
communities.
'Migration Principles: Statement for churches working with migrants
and engaging with migrant issues' is published by Churches Together
in Britain and Ireland, which, through its Churches' Commission
for Racial Justice, convened the study group behind the book.
Edited by Prof Paul Weller of the University of Derby, 'Migration
Principles' is firmly rooted in the Christian tradition of welcome.
The publication looks at migration in the context not only of
Christian theology but also of globalisation, racism, xenophobia,
trafficking and exploitation. It further considers the complex
issues of family reunification, and the reciprocal benefits of
migration, as well as high-profile security concerns.
"Migration Principles" concludes with recommendations
of measures that churches should support, and suggested actions
for them to take.
"This book comes at a crucially important time," says
the Revd Bob Fyffe, general secretary of Churches Together in
Britain and Ireland, who explains that, "The book is to be
used by church leaders and local congregations because the big
thinking and big picture around migration require sensitive local
delivery."
The Revd Canon Dr Nicholas Sagovsky, canon theologian at Westminster
Abbey, chaired the ecumenical roundtable meetings out of which
'Migration Principles' developed. The study process brought together
representatives involved in the area of migration and asylum from
a very broad range of Christian traditions. It also drew on the
first hand experience of migrants and the expertise of cutting-edge
thinkers.
The Churches recognise that the diversity of their own membership
is the result of a continual process of migration, and are committed
to serve the needs of the whole community. This makes the churches
well placed to speak on such a sensitive issue. In addition, many
churches have made migration issues a priority and are looking
for effective practical responses to the phenomenon, as well as
a better understanding of it.
The launch of "Migration Principles" will take place
next Tuesday 10 July at Westminster Abbey (if wet, in the Jerusalem
Chamber). Refreshments will be available.
'Migration Principles', edited by Paul
Weller (ISBN 978-0-85169-349-1, £5, plus £1 handling
charge per order) is available from CTBI Publications (MPH), 4
John Wesley Road, Werrington, Peterborough, PE4 6ZP, or order
on line at www.ctbi.org.uk,
by phone 01733 325002, or fax 01733 384180.
© Independent Catholic
News 2007
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