New World Outlook - Summer 2017 - Open - 10

10 N E W W O R L D O U T L O O K . O R G

Nicodemus Doe, far left, with staff of the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe
(CCME) at a meeting in Athens, Greece. PHOTO: COURTESY NICODEMUS DOE

Refugees and migrants study a map in the city park on the Greek island of Chios. The park
is full of tents sheltering refugees who crossed the Aegean Sea in small boats from Turkey.
They were registered and provided with food and shelter in a reception center built with
support from International Orthodox Christian Charities, a member of the ACT Alliance.
PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY

didn't know what their future would
look like, or even their case duration.
They are not allowed to move outside
the country, or even from the city,
like other asylum seekers in Europe.
During the dinner, we shared our
love and joy together by eating with
them, listening to some of their stories, and, perhaps, giving them a little
hope and comfort.
When I traveled with CCME staff
to visit Athens, Greece, we saw people, young and old, literally camped
out in reception centers. I asked myself why they should be isolated from
society. I observed that in both countries, despite the unpleasant plight

migrants and refugees face, many
manage to keep the smile of hope.
The support of CCME national members in both countries was visible and
making a difference.

Migration and the Church
in Europe

I've witnessed some of the hardships
and abuses that people caught up in
forced migration face on their way to
Europe from both African and Middle
Eastern countries. These I gathered
mostly from stories told by those who
made the journey as I attended conferences and seminars in the context
of migration, asylum, and the church

in Europe. I've also experienced within
the churches an ecumenical working
spirit toward migrants and refugees
and multiple efforts to welcome them.
I have learned to be in solidarity with
uprooted people and be in ministry
with them, and I've experienced the
prophetic role of the church as a social
justice advocacy agent.
The European churches here have
taught me about holistic migration
ministry at the local, national, and international level. Individuals and congregations here are living applied
Christian values: actively demonstrating hospitality toward the stranger,
while at the same time, supporting
advocacy projects like Safe Passage,
which aims to change and influence
European immigration policy. I'm
thankful to God, the global United
Methodist Church family, and CCME
for providing this cross-cultural mission opportunity. I've received much
support and training, which has nurtured my faith to serve and love God
and my neighbors. I've learned also
to be a good steward for creation to
help make the world a better place!
I would like to invite individuals and
congregations to join us in mission by
praying and being in solidarity with migrants and refugees, those working
with them, and countries experiencing
war and human rights abuses ("pull
factors") that serve as the main drivers
for forced migration across Europe.

Nicodemus Doe, from Sinoe County, Liberia (Advance #3022069), holds a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Africa University in Zimbabwe and a master's degree in
Religion, Society, and Global Issues from
the MF Norwegian School of Theology in
Oslo. Churches Commission for Migrants
in Europe (CCME), based in Brussels, Belgium, represents churches and ecumenical
groups from 18 countries and collaborates
with the Conference of European Churches
and the World Council of Churches.

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