The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is urging the UK Government to take action to help solve the migrant crisis.
Hundreds of migrants fleeing conflict zones in Libya and other parts of Africa have died in recent weeks after their boats capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.
The UN refugee agency said that about 800 people had died in a disaster on Sunday. The EU is under pressure to do more to help.
Rt Rev John Chalmers says the UK Government must give its support to European Council proposals to tackle the unfolding tragedy in the Mediterranean. As well as more effective action to combat the people smugglers, the Moderator wants to see the Government commit to humanitarian assistance including participation in the proposed resettlement initiative to offer sanctuary to refugees in need of protection.
Mr Chalmers said: "Like many people I have been devastated by the news of the hundreds of deaths of refugees seeking peace during the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean from Africa into Europe. The decision by EU Governments, including the UK Government, last year to cut back the humanitarian search and rescue mission was roundly criticised at the time. It saddens me greatly that the unheeded warnings about the consequences of not helping those in desperate need have been proven right."
The Moderator said migrants seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East are fleeing from man-made disasters including war, desperate poverty and persecution and deserve our help.
"These innocents are seeking sanctuary. As human beings, made in God's image, they have equal value as you or I, and so we must do all we can to offer love and practical support."
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