Evangelical Church wants to get into the rescue

The Evangelical Church in Germany wants to send its own ship for the rescue of refugees to the Mediterranean. After a thorough examination, it was decided to implement a corresponding resolution of the Kirchentag, said EKD Council President Heinrich Bedford-Strohm in Berlin.

"It's more than symbolism, it's about exemplary action - people are saved in the Mediterranean," said Bedford-Strohm. The church also advocates a political solution. What is needed is a distribution mechanism for migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, so that each time the "Geschachere" does not begin their distribution. The church has been trying for decades to combat so-called reasons of flight, such as in Africa.

According to Bedford-Strohm, the EKD will not run the rescue ship itself, a carrier association should be established. Necessary is an intensive preparation. There are already soundings for the purchase of the ship, which then has to be rebuilt. This will take months.

The EKD Council President called for the criminalization of distressed seafarers to be ended. "Who saves people from drowning, must not be criminalized." He also demanded that the state rescue service be resumed in the Mediterranean.

"Torture, enslavement and violence"

"As long as protection seekers in the Mediterranean drown and government action fails, we will do our utmost to support civilian rescue," Bedford-Strohm said. The need has no nationality, and "no matter what the reasons are people in need, we have a duty to support them and help them."

Bedford-Strohm spoke at a joint press conference with representatives of Doctors Without Borders, the aid organization Sea-Eye, the pier and the Lord Mayor of Potsdam, Mike Schubert. The SPD politician spoke for the now more than 90 municipalities in the network Cities of Safe Harbors, which have agreed to accept refugees: It is a sign of humanity to get involved.

In addition to a much-needed distribution mechanism of more receptive EU Member States, the organizations called for a stop to repatriations to Libya. Refugees are exposed there to the risk of "systematic torture, enslavement and violence". Any support and training of the Libyan Coast Guard must be stopped.