The following Document “Welcoming the Stranger: “Affirmation for Faith Leaders” was prepared by an inter-religious group convened by the High Commissioner for Refugees at the conclusion of his Dialogue on Faith and Protection in December 2012. The Drafting Group was asked to reflect on common principles, shared among religious tradition, which foster the protection, nurturing, and acceptance of person who have been forcefully displaced. A more detailed description of the process and participants can be found in the final two paragraphs of the Document in the section entitled “background”. The Document consists of two parts: the first one presents the 16 pledges made by Leaders of Faith Communities regarding the duty of their respective religious traditions to welcome the stranger; the second part lists a series of religious principles supporting the common understanding and demonstrating why religious leaders can adhere to and share the pledges.
The Document calls for concrete steps to combat xenophobia, or dehumanization (such as the use of the term “illegal” for example) of forcibly displaced people.
This Document can provide an opportunity for Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious Men and Women, Teachers, Head of Catholic Institutions to affirm that welcoming the stranger (Mt 25:35) is an imperative from the Gospel and, consequently, a moral duty.
The Document could be used in conjunction with “Welcoming Christ in Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Persons” in catechesis, in formation days, in-services and many other initiatives.
This Document has been sent to ACMRO by Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See towards the Office of the United Nations and of the International Organizations. This Document is endorsed by the President and Secretary of the Caritas Internationalis, by the Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission and the International Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service.
