“Religious freedom gives independence, reduces harassment and acknowledges societal acceptance”, says the UN special rapporteur on FORB at an event organised in Geneva.

The Refugee Highway Partnership Europe gathering is happening in Málaga (10-14 March). “We are invited to stand against that tide and follow Jesus in the powerful way of humility”, say the organisers.

Do migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees feel they can honestly share some of their struggles in our churches or do they feel they will be stereotyped, judged, or misunderstood?

Ahead of Sunday’s elections, the Protestant, Catholic and other churches ask to “vote for parties that stand up for our democracy”. Alice Weidel’s AfD party rises in the polls amid tough immigration debates.

Two and a half years after the Russian invasion, Germany was hosting more than one million people. Together with Ukraine and the Czech Republic, they have taken in 60% of all refugees in the union.

The Swedish, European and World Evangelical Alliances sent a joint report on asylum seekers, conscientious objection, and hate speech, among other issues.

Martin Accad, president of a theological seminary in Beirut, analyses the critical situation on the ground. “Though we often feel helpless, we never feel hopeless”.

“As churches, we mourn with the families and pray for them”, said German Christian leaders. The murder of 3 people has added fuel to the political fight over migration.

A Christian expert on political communication and migration analyses the new EU migration pact. “If Europe needs workers to do certain types of work, why not create a circular route?”, asks Noemí Mena.

The victory of an asylum seeker who became a Christian in Austria could set a precedent for other new believers in Europe.

For several years our church was home to a community of Persian Christians. We worshipped together, studied scripture, and grew to be best friends. Years later, and dispersed ‘round the UK, almost all of them are still living as Christians.

Leading politicians accuse churches of allowing “bogus” conversions of migrants to obtain refugee status. “The suggestion church leaders are aiding people to abuse the asylum system is a serious charge”, says an Evangelical Alliance representative.

Discretion and integrity are essential, but they shouldn’t go so far as to become scepticism and distrust. The roles of church leaders and immigration officials need clear differentiation.

Alesio Sema in Albania and Giacomo Ciccone in Italy address the issue of migration from an evangelical perspective.

While the political actors involved welcome the agreement, evangelical organisations take a critical look at the details of the pact.

The victory of the Freedom Party shocks the European scenario. While traditional Christian parties suffer losses, “it is no secret that some believers love Wilders”, says journalist Evert Van Vlastuin.

“If suicide is already a taboo subject, it is even more invisible in the socially vulnerable population”, said organisers of a conference.

Migration, hospitality and human rights are all issues of biblical concern touching on loving our neighbours.

The president got over 52% of the vote and will lead the county five more years. Christians and other minorities still face restrictions in their freedoms.

Justin Welby calls on the government to set 10-year strategies for tackling human trafficking and for an international collaboration to solve the refugee crises.

The response to the earthquakes and the restriction of human rights such as religious freedom may play against the powerful president.

In Sunderland (England), Cathie welcomed at home Alona, her two children and their grandma. They certainly miss Odesa, but have met other refugees and been active at church.

Several Christian voices in the United Kingdom criticise the Illegal Migration draft law presented by the government. They ask to “talk frankly and listen carefully” instead of “fanning anti-immigration flames”.

Small children on the boat have either died or disappeared. The boat set out from Turkey and carrying 200 people.

Highlights are the fight against human trafficking and the efforts to integrate victims in the labour market. Spain is among the European countries with highest levels of prostitution.