Resolution

Sofia, Bulgaria
23-26 September 2015

EBF Sofia RESOLUTION
on the Migrant Crisis in Europe and the Middle East

The European Baptist Federation Council meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, 23rd – 26th September 2015

Receives with hope and joy God’s love, grace and compassion for every human being revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and experienced through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Remembers in the current situation of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, God’s command to receive and welcome the stranger:

‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:33-34

Prays for wisdom to be entrusted to governments in Europe and Middle East and for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower the Church in those areas to live out the message of Jesus Christ who said:

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35

Challenges non-biblical attitudes, including rejection of the stranger, which deepen and create harmful divisions and limit compassionate and humanitarian aid towards migrants in Europe and the Middle East.

Encourages Baptists in Europe to an immediate, generous and coordinated response in our countries and local communities. We invite Baptist Unions to pursue meaningful partnerships with national, international agencies, churches and Christian organizations working directly with migrant peoples throughout Europe.

Believes with hope the pilgrim identity of Christian faith and the heavenly citizenship of Christians in God’s creation (Ephesians 3:20), and is renewed in God’s promise of a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21).