Before the vote on reforming the Common European Asylum System (GEAS), the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) strongly criticized the plans of the Union and the SPD.
The EKD’s spokesperson on refugee matters, Bishop Christian Stäblein, told the “Rheinische Post” that the guiding principle of every decision must be the dignity of people seeking protection. “The biblical tradition teaches of a God who stands beside those who are forced to flee in distress and accompanies them toward a new future” he said.
Accordingly, the EKD argues that the proposed reform is too drastic. “The planned measures intrude deeply into the lives of refugees” Stäblein said. “If families and children were to live in special institutions with severe restrictions or even be imprisoned, it would contradict our Christian conception of humanity and the commandment of humanity”. He added, “Article 1 of the Basic Law applies equally to all: the dignity of the human person is inviolable. Every person is in the image of God”.
At the same time, he expressed support for Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s (CSU) plan to allow asylum seekers a work permit after three months instead of the current six. “It is right that asylum seekers will be able to work sooner; I welcome the decision. Now it is up to the practice to make it possible”.