EKD synod in Würzburg: Migration policy needs human dignity!

Würzburg (ots)

In a sensational start, the 5th conference of the 13th Synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) was opened in the beautiful St. Stephan Church in Würzburg. Under the worrying topic of "migration, flight and human rights", state bishop Christian Kopp stated: "We are in the middle of frightening debates about flight and asylum." The fears of society towards migrants and refugees grow, and prejudices are nourished. Kopp called for trust to counteract fear. "Trust can be a protection room. Small steps are necessary, not huge gestures!"

demand for human dignity

The synod president Anna-Nicole Heinrich left no doubt that human dignity must be the focus of the refugee policy discussions. "We must not allow fears to be misused or that complex facts are downplayed and simplified," she said. Heinrich criticized the one -sided presentation in migration policy and the constant introduction of new enforcement. "Refugees are not numbers! They are not objects that we can simply deport," she emphasized. Heinrich recalled that all people are of God and the Church has to work for their rights.

Heinrich made part of her preparations by visiting the EU's outer border in Greece, where she found out about the conditions in an initial reception facility. This commitment illustrates its endeavors to raise awareness of the challenges that face migrants and refugees.

The debate about migration will now be on the agenda on Tuesday. This synod could be crucial for the future orientation of migration policy in Germany.