Migration as an opportunity to build bridges among all

MIAMSI is coming to Malta to discuss migration and the opportunity they offer to build bridges.

This will be MIAMSI's 12th general assembly, taking place between October 24-29 and hosted by the local member movement, Rinascità Cristiana Malta.

The theme for this encounter was selected by all 35 member countries (located in four continents) and is evidence of the eagerness with which MIAMSI bases its reflections on how best to live the Gospel within the very heart of the everyday life of the men and women of our times.

Following a meeting in Brussels in April 2006 of all the European MIAMSI organisations, during which a discussion on the best way of "living the Gospel together" was held, the subject of migration came to the attention of the delegations representing the various world movements. The theme proposed for this month's general assembly is Migrations, An Opportunity To Build Bridges: Families, Cultures, Religions And Peoples In Dialogue.

The 300 delegates who will be in Malta would like to believe that migrations among men are a source of life and progress. In effect, whatever the situation, possibilities for promoting a warm reception to each and every person in respect of his dignity always exist. Within the framework of mutual dialogue, the history and the situation of each individual, exchange of ideas and interaction may be an opportunity for the men and women of today to grow together.

The witness given by all the delegates coming from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America will make these exchanges more meaningful.

Expert speakers (sociologists, theologians) and representatives from international institutions together with an intervention by Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, will give the assembly the possibility of basing its discernment on the true realities in the world of today and on the texts proposed by the Magisterium of the Church and the Gospel, which is the Word of God.

Following these days of study and reflection, the message from the entire assembly, which will be proclaimed during the closing ceremony at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, will surely be a sign of realism and also one of hope for all of us.

Evidently, internal matters relating to the statute of the organisation will also be addressed during the assembly. Therefore, during this meeting the election of the national group will ensure the responsibilities of the movement for the next four years.

Mr Guery is president of the International Movement of the Apostolate for the Independent Milieus (MIAMSI).