ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The Bishops of the Arab Regions: ensuring freedom and respect for immigrant workers

Monday, 6 October 2014

Ras al Khaimah (Agenzia Fides) - The millions of foreign workers seeking employment and opportunities for a life with dignity who are welcomed in many countries in the Middle East - and in particular in the Gulf Countries - cooperate with their skills and enthusiasm to the well-being of the nations that host them and expect "reciprocity and respect for their human dignity and their social rights", more particularly the women. This is what the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Latin Rite of the Arab regions (CELRA), held in Ras al Khaimah (UAE) from September 29 to October 3 discussed during the meeting with regards to the plight of millions of foreign workers - many of them Christians - who live in the Middle East and suffer discrimination.
In the communiqué released at the end of their meetings, the Bishops recognize the progress made in some countries in recent times, and thanked "those who are making positive steps forward in the recognition of the freedom of worship for migrant worker". At the same time, the Bishops ask them to "respect the culture and traditions of the countries that receive them".
In the United Arab Emirates alone, which hosted the Assembly of Bishops, foreign workers account for 70 percent of the 4 million residents, and among them more than half are baptized. Catholics alone - mostly Filipinos and Indians - are about one million. During the meeting the Roman Catholic Bishops of the Arab Regions had the opportunity to meet and get to know the vitality of Christian communities in Dubai, Abu Dabi, Fujeireh, Um quwein, Sharjah and Ras El Khaimeh, whose members belong to 34 different nationalities.
"We admired their faith, as they live in the midst of difficulties and sacrifices, but with great joy. Majority of the workers give a testimony of peace and tolerance and expect reciprocity and respect for their human dignity and their social rights, more particularly the women".
With regard to the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops, which has just begun in Rome, dedicated to the family, the Bishops also "posed the question of how to find the balance between the indissolubility of marriage on the one hand and the needs of divorced and remarried to a sacramental life". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 06/10/2014)


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