Some European Christian Churches are altering their places of worship to accommodate the arrival of refugees from conflict areas. Adjustments include removing the altars, even crucifixes, from their places of worship. One such example is the Protestant church in Oberhausen, Germany, that removed important fixtures such as altars and pulpits so that the Muslim migrants could take refuge there and feel more comfortable. Pastor Joachim Deterding says that he wants the 50 refugees who are temporarily staying at the church to have a more liveable space and also feel welcomed into the German community.

On top of this, there are washing machines available outside the churches so that the refugees can do laundry and they will also be provided with free meals.

Oberhausen City spokesman Reiner Suhr told UK newspaper The Sunday Express that the reason why this is being done is purely “kindness and goodwill”. “The parish had offered that to the city. We accept it gladly,” he said.

In other parts of Europe, the lesbian Bishop of Stockholm Eva Brunne also told her diocese to remove all Christian symbols, such as crucifixes, so as to make the building more “inviting” to Muslims. She explained the importance of “hospitality and tolerance, regardless of faith.” Rather than feel threatened by Islam, she states: “Good people of different beliefs must be able to meet and help each other!”

Closer to the front line, the border island of Lesbos is bursting at the seam with refugees that are everywhere, including the Orthodox Church that has been turned into a makeshift shelter for arriving refugees. No, the altars haven’t been removed, but all religious denominations have entered while the priest and his wife rush around offering meals and solace to all.