As we race towards the end of the year, it is traditional to stand back and reflect on what has happened in 2015.
2015 started with terror attacks in many places in Europe and the rest of the world and sadly ended in the same way. We have seen many people come to Europe searching for refuge from these attacks as well as situations of poverty and war. We have seen people in Europe continuing to fight for social justice against a backdrop of austerity and lack of social investment and we have seen challenges to human rights, including social and economic rights.
Yet in amongst what could be seen as the darkness of Europe in 2015, there has been much light. Light has come from the projects and actions that have been implemented by our members as they have responded to the migrant, refugee and asylum crisis. Light that has come from the continued advocacy for social justice including reducing poverty and social exclusion. Light that has come from hearing our members speak in the European Parliament and other meetings about the social realities in their country and why systemic change via partnerships with local, regional and national authorities is needed. Light that has come from seeing transformative change as a result of delivering value-based social services that put people at the centre of everything. Light that has come from being a living, thriving and dynamic network where we share our challenges and our successes. In amongst all the challenges of 2015, that light has also been about hope. Hope that with the right changes, the right services and the right policies we can have positive social change.
Light, and by association hope, can come from many sources. For the members of Eurodiaconia, the light that gives us our motivation came to earth at Christmas, takes away fear and brings only good news. As we go into 2016, perhaps with fears and perhaps with so much unknown, we wish you only good news, lots of light, a merry Christmas and a happy and hopeful New Year.
Heather Roy
PS: Office is closed from 23 December till 4 January.