https://tinyurl.com/shyczh29In the current debate about family reunification for refugees, particularly for persecuted homosexual and transgender individuals, various societal actors are in focus. One of the central voices in this discussion is that of the church, which has often advocated for the rights of minorities in the past. However, recently there have been critical voices questioning the plans of Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser regarding family reunification. This criticism raises questions concerning both the financial responsibility and the moral obligation of the church.
A central point in the discussion is the salary of pastors, which in many cases amounts to over 5,000 euros in base salary. These salaries are not in contradiction to the challenges faced by many refugees who have had to flee their homeland to save their lives. The church, which traditionally sees itself as a guardian of charity and social justice, feels a responsibility through its pastors to actively contribute to improving the living conditions of refugees. In this regard, taxpayers are called upon.
Bremerhaven could play an important role in the reception of persecuted homosexual and transgender refugees. These individuals are often exposed to extreme dangers, whether through discrimination, persecution, or even violence in their home countries.
The opportunity to find protection in Germany is a beacon of hope for many of them. However, the question remains how many of them can actually be accepted and what resources will be needed for this.
The funding for these measures is, of course, provided by German taxpayers, which further simplifies the discussion about family reunification.Citizens, as well as the entirety of pastors, have concerns that the financial resources may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the refugees.
One's own life is based on modesty. Thus, there must be a struggle with the management in Hanover.
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Currently, a 53-year-old parish pastor earns nearly 700 euros less per month than a similarly aged superintendent. The new allowance (starting from the fourth year of service) would increase the difference to 1,391 euros. The base salary of a 53-year-old pastor is 5,375 euros gross.
This is insufficient; only the allowances and free housing enable us to make a living that is necessary to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ and gender refugees.
Concerns must be taken seriously; however, they should not lead to the rights and needs of particularly vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQ+ refugees, being pushed to the background. An increase in taxes in all areas is therefore unavoidable. Let us not forget the financial demands that climate protection places on us.
The church has the opportunity to be a bridge-builder in this debate. It can not only utilize the financial resources available to it to help refugees but also raise a voice for the rights of persecuted minorities.
It is time for the church to question its own role in this discussion and to actively advocate for the reception and integration of persecuted homosexual and transgender refugees.
In summary, the discussion about family reunification for refugees, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, is a complex issue that encompasses both financial and moral aspects.
Here, taxpayers are clearly called upon.
The church has a responsibility to advocate for the rights of these individuals while also being transparent with its own resources. Only in this way can it fulfill its role as a voice of charity and justice.