Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - “No one is a stranger in the Church because 'she embraces every nation, race, people and tongue' (Rev. 7:9) Moreover, what the Church does in favor of migrants, refugees and internally displaced is part of its mission.” This is what was stated in the Final Document of the International Congress “Towards a better pastoral care for Migrants and Refugees in Asia,” which took place in Bangkok November 6-8, 2008 (see Fides 3/11/2008).
The Congress was an important opportunity for coming together, reflection, and elaborating on pastoral strategies adapted to changing times, as the theme of migration and human mobility is becoming more and more common in today's society, especially in the vast continent of Asia.
“Migration is a new ‘prophetic’ area which the church must prioritize,” the Document says, noting that in the present situation, “it is therefore essential that priests, religious and lay people are adequately prepared for this specific apostolate which requires appropriate training and formation.”
The Asian churches are continually called “to deploy a culture of welcome,” and should spread awareness among the public in order to guarantee that this attitude be adopted in the national policies of the various countries.
Migrants, the text says, should not be looked upon from an economic perspective solely, linked to production, but there is need for an ethical viewpoint is essential in formulating and regulating national policies on immigration that recognize the unalienable rights of the person in accord with their dignity, which is linked to their Creator.
The Church, therefore, is called both to work directly in the area of welcoming and do her part in contributing to a culture of coming into contact with others, without discriminations, manipulations, or abuses.
The Document affirms that there are two main aspects that need special attention, in the area of migration in Asia: the family and human rights.
Migration, in facts, is at risk for becoming more of a factor in the break-up of the family, an institution which is already in a fragile state and attacked on many levels. Thus, the Church should work on developing pastoral services for migrants that focus on the family, working to reunite them as well. In terms of human rights, there is a need to work for their affirmation in Asian society, working especially towards the “reciprocity of rights,” so that people of different religions practice them freely and safely everywhere.
The text concludes with an excerpt from “Centesimus annus,” by John Paul II, that says that solidarity implies a response that is both personal and collective. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2008)
