Impact
Caring for refugees is a fully biblical mission. People who want to respond to it in this situation also show something of the compassion Christ has for people in need. That deserves support, also from the diaconate! But it also requires wisdom. Because the private reception of refugees brings with it difficult questions, dilemmas and even risks. One such aspect, for instance, is that the reception may be needed for a longer period and not everyone is aware of its impact on the family situation.
Work together
Not everyone has a good situation in terms of housing and family circumstances to accommodate refugees. Many civilian municipalities are preparing large-scale and long-term reception of refugees. Our emphatic advice is to at least shape refugee reception in cooperation with municipal authorities.
We would especially advise you to offer support to Ukrainian refugees who end up in organised shelters. This is more manageable and sustainable for most people than reception at home and can also be done very well from the local church in the longer term.
People who do take in refugees are advised to be well informed. And, of course, it makes a big difference whether you take in people you don't know at all or whether they are people you were already in contact with through a project or foundation in Ukraine.
Information
Are you dealing with the reception of refugees or do you, as a diaconate, receive questions about this? Then consult, preferably in advance, especially the information from the central government, the Gave foundation and the Dutch Refugee Council:
Helping Ukrainians: what can I do? | Russian invasion of Ukraine | Rijksoverheid.nl
