Most of the refugees who have found asylum in Western European countries have experienced persecution, violence and discrimination. A roof over the head and material support often are not enough to restore their courage and confidence – many long for a new spiritual home as well. ACN has therefore intensified its support for the pastoral care of Christian refugees. We support the Church in its pastoral work so that refugees feel at home in their new homelands, and also when it comes to faith, which is so important for their identity.
» There is also a lack of a spiritual home for many refugees. «
ACN not only helps the Western Church in pastoral care, but also supports contemplative monasteries and the formation of priests, as well as Catholic media outlets, congresses and other events that strengthen faith and promote Christian values in society. Project aid also flows into new spiritual communities that are particularly attractive to young believers, frequently helping to bring new momentum to their parishes.
Many requests for support from Western Europe also relate to new evangelisation initiatives. The drop in the number of believers, the decline in priestly and religious vocations, the ageing of society, the dwindling knowledge of faith and the current questioning of the Christian roots of Europe are gradually draining the Church, both in terms of personnel and structure. As in the pastoral care of refugees, the procurement of Bibles and religious literature also plays a decisive role in the new evangelisation. Here ACN helps the Church to procure the necessary literature in the respective native languages.