Churches can also reach remote parts of the territory where others cannot sustain a presence, Morales continued, “but as faith-based organizations, we cannot replace or substitute the state and other international organizations.” There is a need to strengthen accountable public systems to promote sustainable policies and guarantee the dignity of migrants who bring hope to their host communities,” she added.
Faith-based organizations are key partners, but not substitutes, for a coherent whole-of-society response to migrant support, integration and inclusion. Access to rights should not depend on the existence of solidary organizations. It should be guaranteed directly by accountable public systems.”
For Rev. Sonia Skupch, LWF Regional Secretary for Latin America, the Caribbean and North America, the forum marked a vital opportunity for networking in order to strengthen those partnerships and pursue the goals of the Global Compact. “We have been able to engage in dialogue with representatives from governments, UN officials and civil society organizations,” she noted. “I have observed how the voice of the churches is valued both for their local presence and for being trusted partners,” she concluded.
