Migrations due to political, economic and religious causes, be they of single persons or of entire communities, can no longer be considered marginal events requiring only emergency intervention. They are now a structured reality involving all nations and effecting far-reaching changes in the social, cultural, religious and economic life of the nations from where migrants leave and of those who welcome them.

The Church, faithful to its evangelizing mission, and the countries of departure and arrival, share a common responsibility in promoting new ways for people from diverse origins to come together, while safeguarding the respect for fundamental human rights. This calls for promotion of ongoing mutual acceptance and for the human development of migrants and local residents alike. It means supporting that growth which will blossom into a widespread solidarity, so that no one shall ever be forced again to seek elsewhere the means of survival.

Our presence in the Church and in the world assumes a prophetic role once it is animated by a specific spirituality, lived in openness to the Holy Spirit's action in our everyday life and which will give new vitality to our mission with and for the migrants in the local churches. Indeed, that which is generic and vague cannot be an authentic gift for others.

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