In Europe, some Christian churches are removing altars and even crosses to 'accomodate' Muslim refugees' needs

Migrants aboard an overcrowded dinghy approaches the Greek island of Lesbos as locals stand at a church (R) ready to welcome them after they crossed the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast on Oct. 3, 2015. Reuters

Some Christians in Europe are making major adjustments in their places of worship—including the removal of altars and even crucifixes — to "accommodate the needs of refugees from conflict areas in the Middle East."

In Oberhausen city in Germany, a Protestant church went to the extent of removing important fixtures such as altars and pulpits to make the Muslim migrants feel more comfortable.

Pastor Joachim Deterding, who oversees the church, explained that he just wants the 50 refugees who found temporary shelter in the area to have a more liveable space, and for them to feel they are welcomed in the community.

"Before the refugees can move in, the seats have to be taken away. Also the altar, the pulpit and font are movable," Deterding said, as quoted by The Sunday Express.

Aside from these adjustments inside the church, washing machines will also be made available outside the place of worship to enable the refugees to do their laundries.

On top of these, the asylum seekers will be provided free meals.

Oberhausen City spokesman Reiner Suhr said they are doing all of these for the refugees out of kindness and goodwill.

"The parish had offered that to the city. We accept it gladly," Suhr said.

Also earlier this month, the lesbian Bishop of Stockholm, Eva Brunne, told a church in her diocese to remove all crucifixes to make the building "more inviting" to Muslim worshippers.

"It is important that there are places for praying sisters and brothers and we show hospitality and tolerance, regardless of faith," Stockholm said to explain her order.

"Good people of different beliefs must be able to meet and help each other," she added.

On the Greek island of Lesvos, meanwhile, an Orthodox Church has been turned into a makeshift shelter and hospital for arriving refugees.

"Bunches of sick people inside the churches. Even the priest was helping and his wife was running back and forth with cups of tea for the wet and cold refugees," Helen Zahos, a volunteer in the church, said in an article on Pappas Post.

related articles
Tens of thousands of migrants living in German tents face woes as winter nears
Tens of thousands of migrants living in German tents face woes as winter nears

Tens of thousands of migrants living in German tents face woes as winter nears

Mideast migrants bringing \'exotic\' diseases to Europe; German hospitals overwhelmed
Mideast migrants bringing 'exotic' diseases to Europe; German hospitals overwhelmed

Mideast migrants bringing 'exotic' diseases to Europe; German hospitals overwhelmed

Refugee crisis is \'dehumanising\' victims, says Bishop Angaelos
Refugee crisis is 'dehumanising' victims, says Bishop Angaelos

Refugee crisis is 'dehumanising' victims, says Bishop Angaelos

Jihadists will try to infiltrate Syrian refugees to US, Ben Carson warns
Jihadists will try to infiltrate Syrian refugees to US, Ben Carson warns

Jihadists will try to infiltrate Syrian refugees to US, Ben Carson warns

German terror fears mount as thousands of Muslim migrants \'disappear\' from camps
German terror fears mount as thousands of Muslim migrants 'disappear' from camps

German terror fears mount as thousands of Muslim migrants 'disappear' from camps

News
Government told to prioritise biological sex, not gender identity
Government told to prioritise biological sex, not gender identity

Staff in public services were afraid to challenge the new fluid approach to sex and gender, with many feeling that their workplace was a “hostile environment”

Belgian euthanasia stats continue to rise
Belgian euthanasia stats continue to rise

Belgian euthanasia levels reached yet another record high in 2024.

Free Church of Scotland concerned about Scottish Government RE plans
Free Church of Scotland concerned about Scottish Government RE plans

The Free Church of Scotland is concerned that faith will be "marginalised" in schools by the Scottish government

Catholic aid
Catholic aid "the hand of God" in suffering Mozambique

An Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado Province has claimed the lives of over 5,000 people, with many more forced to flee from their homes.