On Lesvos it is discovered that there are no place to bury refugees who have drowned


Regular monthly coordination meetings regarding refugees are now in place between representatives of five different Churches in Athens (Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Anglican and Church of Sweden), in order to coordinate their response and resources.

At their meeting on Friday 30 October, pictured above, Fr Maurice Joyeux of the Jesuit Refugee Service informed the participants of the distressing news that on the island of Lesvos there were no burial facilities for refugees who have died or drowned. The hospital mortuaries are full. Containers are now being converted into refrigerated spaces. Fr Maurice felt that the Churches should take a lead in urging the authorities to make provision and ensure that appropriate funeral rites are available. The cemeteries on Lesvos are for the local population with limited space for further burials.

The Anglican Chaplaincy in Athens has recently channelled £3.000 from donations it has received to 'Lighthouse', an organisation of young adults who meet the dinghies arriving on the rocky coastline of  Lesvos and provide emergency help.



   

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