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discussion. First of all, the experience
of their reception in The Netherlands:
many migrants, having great hopes
of being made welcome as Christians
in a prosperous Christian country,
share the same disappointing
confrontation in this country.
Nevertheless, those present still
of delivering a great contribution to
the Dutch society, socially as well as
spiritually. This important aspect is
something that has, in the meantime,
studies and statistical data and is
gradually becoming known and
recognized.
A second point I still remember is
the statement that the experience
of migration, the departure from
the country of origin and, to say
the least, the often awkward and
uncomfortable situation in their host
country, had meant for many of them
a strengthening of the bond with their
faith and with God. Faith in God had
given them something to hold on
to, and Biblical stories, for example
about Joseph in Egypt, mirrored
for them very recognisable events,
through which these stories had
become even more poignant and
had thus become of greater personal
importance.
A third point that struck me offers
important recommendations for
the future as well. Many churches
expressed the need for more
recognition and more collaboration.
Dr. Jorge Castillo Guerra correctly
pointed out that recognition begins
with an urgently needed change
of the image many Dutch people
have of migrants. The media and
politicians often encourage the
stereotype of migrants as being a
poorly educated, low-skilled and
socially and economically weak
population group dependent on
social service. This was regardless of
the fact that many migrants do have
higher educational backgrounds and
this country voluntarily, but more likely
from sheer necessity. It is only when
migrants are no longer considered
a burden but are seen as a potential
source of enrichment of the Dutch
society; will the Netherlands then
really offer all the people equal
opportunities to develop themselves
to their optimum and help build a
more prosperous society.
At the close of the meeting all those
present, keeping this last issue in
mind, enjoyed a delicious Iraqi meal,
with every possibility for all to make
further acquaintance in an informal
way.
Many, many thanks to the EO as
organiser, to SKIN who advised and
assisted in the preparation and of
course, to all the people present who
made this evening an inspiring and
successful meeting!
Madelon Grant is coordinator of SKIN
Rotterdam, the umbrella organisation
of migrant churches in Rotterdam.
See www.skinrotterdam.nl
Skin Magazine 37