FCEI and Waldensian Diaconate at the ready to look after the 49 migrants rescued by Sea-Watch and Sea-Eye

Protestant churches:  “Support for NGOs because sea rescue and hospitality on dry land are a human duty.  For us, this is also a witness of the love of Christ.”.

Rome, 4th January 2019 (NEV/CS1) – “We confirm our support for the NGOs undertaking sea rescue and we are available to take responsibility for transfer and hospitality for the migrants saved by Sea-Watch and Sea-Eye”, jointly affirm President of the FCEI (Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy), Rev Luca Maria Negro and President of the Waldensian Diaconate, Giovanni Comba.  “As the FCEI, we are committed to a partnership with Proactiva Open Arms, the NGO which in recent days saved more than three hundred people at sea – adds Negro – and today we consider is to be our duty to express concrete support for the other boats undertaking rescue which have for days been waiting for a safe port in which to dock.”  Indeed, FCEI vice-President Christiane Groeben, will today (4th January) be part of a delegation of politicians, civil society representatives and volunteers going aboard Sea-Watch to demand a rapid solution to an affair which is at risk of becoming a complete violation of the right to international protection.  “We are working with our partners to construct a European corridor, and Heidelberg and its churches have already expressed their willingness to host the migrants.  We are willing to take responsibility for transferring the migrants to thier final destination and to collaborate in hosting them,” adds President Comba.