The situation of asylum seekers in the Greek islands is catastrophic and exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. In an appeal to the Federal Council, the Roman Catholic Church, the Christian Catholic Church and the Protestant Church in Switzerland call for the swift evacuation to Switzerland of a group of unaccompanied refugees who have family members in the country. The pandemic, which is still spreading, does not allow valuable time to be wasted. We must act quickly – all the more so as it is Easter time.

From a Christian perspective, the images of people who flee war, poverty and climate change by crossing the Mediterranean and who encounter distress at sea, call for love and mercy. This is why the Council of the Protestant Church in Switzerland PCS backs sea rescue operations and decided to support the «United4Rescue» alliance, which was co-founded by the Evangelical Church in Germany EKD.

First joint declaration on refugees by Jewish, Christian and Muslim representatives

For the first time, the Protestant Churches in Europe have issued a joint “Statement of Peace.” Under the title of “Remembering Together,” they commemorate the end of the First World War 100 years ago and the heavy burden of its legacy. With this critical and self-critical retrospection, the churches want to contribute to building fair structures. “In the face of the devastating and lasting effects of the war, the Churches are well aware of the importance of acting to promote peace and prevent civil conflict,” states the document adopted by the 8th General Assembly of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe CPCE in Basel.

The suffering of the people in Syria and Iraq is in danger of being forgotten. At the same time, the local churches have made tremendous efforts to aid refugees. In a newly adopted resolution, the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe CPCE demands that the governments of Europe increase their efforts to promote peace in the region.

Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. […] Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Praise the LORD for it, be-cause if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:4-7 (New International Version)