The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) hosted its General Assembly in Rome this year on November 7th and 8th. The assembly discussed the 2020-2023 Activity Report, elected the new incoming executive committee, the work programme and budget for after 2023, and the message of the assembly, all drafted by the working groups of the General Assembly. László Zságer, head of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid’s (HRCA) Refugee Ministry, and Angela Canadey, project coordinator of the Refugee Ministry, represented the Reformed Church in Hungary at the General Assembly.
The first day of the General Assembly included thematic focus panels. There were presentations from the Mediterranean Hope Lampedusa Team on the impressions of the migration situation from Lampedusa and Tunisia. The Mediterranean Hope Rome Team presented on safe passage and support against labour exploitation. The presentations recalled the UNHCR estimations that so far this year, 2,563 individuals have lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea.
Additionally, the thematic panels highlighted reports of violence at land and sea borders and instances of racism and discrimination in European refugee laws, policies, and law enforcement, particularly toward migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In its message following the General Assembly, the CCME called upon European governments “to increase their work on securing safe passage for those in need, to ensure sufficient search and rescue, and not to externalise their responsibility to other countries,” stating that “protecting those in need of international protection is also about protecting our humanity.”
Following the thematic panels, Dr. Alessia Passarelli, a research collaborator with the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, gave a presentation titled “Being Church Together.” Dr. Passarelli previously worked with the CCME as a project and research assistant on migration, integration, and the role of religion for migrants.
The second assembly day was reserved for working group sessions on adopting the CCME Work Programme, Budget, and Assembly Message beyond 2023. In addition to the working groups, the nominations committee presented nominees for the new executive committee (ExCom), followed by discussions and the election of the new ExCom. Angela Canadey, project coordinator with the HRCA’s Refugee Ministry, was elected to the incoming ExCom and as treasurer of the CCME. On Thursday, November 9th, the new ExCom met to discuss working methods and set dates for further planning and discussion.
The General Assembly Message included recognition that “We do not want to be silent about the fact that we as churches need to examine ourselves as well, and don’t always live up to the standards and ideals that we page 2 advocate in the political sphere. At times, we all fall short of being faithful to Christ’s call to welcome the stranger.” Continuing the message stated that “the churches urge and pray for our nations and communities to respond to people in need with openness and generosity,” praying to “keep us determined to speak up and act for change. Grant courage and wisdom to those in power, letting justice and compassion guide our common future.”