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“Help solve the problems of refugees and for the Mediterranean Sea to cease being a graveyard for innocent people,” urges Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, in a compelling video message release by the Office of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process.
The video, produced for World Refugee Day, calls on faith communities to provide safe spaces and support for refugees. The video supports the #StepWithRefugees movement and highlights the united voice of the religious leaders of Cyprus. #StepWithRefugees is an expression of solidarity with refugees around the world who are forced to abandon their homes, their land and their environment.
“Embracing refugees and providing them with maximum care are not only humanitarian requirements, but are also a religious obligation,” reflects Mufti of Cyprus Dr Talip Atalay.
In the video, the religious leaders of Cyprus call on faith communities in Cyprus to stand with refugees by taking big and small steps in solidarity with them. They reiterate their call on decision-makers to uphold the human right to asylum.
“Refugees are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life,” states Father Jerzy Kraj of the Latin Catholic Church of Cyprus.
The religious leaders also emphasize the responsibility to love and support refugees. “Religions teach us to love each other, and we should extend this love equally to our fellow human being,” says Archbishop Khoren Doghramajian of the Armenian Church of Cyprus.
Together, the religious leaders in Cyprus honor the strength and courage of refugees. “Let us welcome them, listen to them, protect and accompany them and learn from their potential,” says Archbishop Youssef Soueif of the Maronite Church of Cyprus.
The Office of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process is under the auspices of the Embassy of Sweden.
