Priests', lay fraternities' appeal on migrants

Inspired by Christian principles ("I was a stranger and you made me welcome...", Matthew 25) and by the missionary spirit of Charles de Foucauld, who learned how to combine the European with the African culture, we felt in duty bound to show our concern about illegal immigration in our country.

We are aware of the complexity of this problem. Hence, we understand that it should be addressed with determination and dignity, since it involves human values as well as fundamental human rights. If it is not addressed with urgency, it may lead towards a crisis situation, which we want to avoid.

We are also aware of the many efforts by the local Church and civil authorities, NGOs, philanthropic entities and individuals, aimed at relieving the burden of a good number of asylum seekers. On the other hand, we understand that there remains more that can, and should, be done.

We understand that, because of the wide dimension of this problem, it cannot be handled by a small nation like Malta alone. We must also remember that, although Malta is a small island on the border of Europe, since May 1, 2004, it is no longer alone but forms an integral part of the European Union block.

Hence we would like to appeal to:

The representatives of Commonwealth nations to show their solidarity with the Maltese government in its search for an adequate and concrete solution to this problem;

the government of Malta to be more exacting in its dealings with its counterparts at the EU. As members of the EU, we expect concrete help from countries in the same Union, for example, by letting irregular immigrants pass over towards other member states, instead of stopping at the first port in Malta;

the Church authorities, to expound more clearly and efficiently the Christian teaching against racism, that might easily raise its head with disastrous effects on Maltese society;

the Maltese people, to show their characteristic generosity towards the asylum seekers among us, especially during the coming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Moving from words to deeds, we offer the following suggestions:

1. A nationwide campaign for collecting goods and money, similar to those usually held during Christmastide and New Year, Missionary Sunday and whenever a foreign country is struck by some disaster - at which campaigns the Maltese usually respond with exemplary generosity. To ensure transparency and efficiency, we suggest that this campaign be managed by the Red Cross Society and the Church Emigrants Commission.

2. To the Church and its institutions, we suggest the opening up of available spaces and homes to provide shelter for asylum seekers in detention - with all the necessary safeguards by the authorities concerned. A suggestion on these lines had been made also by the Diocesan Synod and would serve to alleviate, at least temporarily, the problem of accommodating these people.

3. Common citizens will be encouraged to participate by offering available spaces for the same purpose.