Dutch church ends 24/7 service after govt policy shift

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 10:42 am CST, Wednesday, January 30, 2019



THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch Protestant church ended a months-long, round-the-clock service Wednesday that started in October to protect a family of Armenian asylum-seekers from deportation after the government announced changes to its immigration policy.

The Bethel Church, a small chapel in a Hague residential neighborhood, announced the end of the 24-7 service a day after the Dutch ruling coalition announced it will review hundreds of asylum applications by children that previously were rejected.

"We are incredibly grateful for a safe future in the Netherlands for hundreds of refugee families," church official Theo Hettema said in a statement.

The church service began Oct. 26 to protect the Tamrazyan family — including the parents, their two daughters and a son. Dutch law prohibits authorities from entering a church building while a service is underway.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Dutch-church-ends-24-7-service-after-govt-policy-13573053.php

[Stonepounder]

1. This is Christianity in action!

This is non-violence at its finest. Kudos to The Bethel Church and kudos as well to the Dutch ruling coalition for listening to the will of the people and changing its immigration policy!

Thanks for posting this.

[burrowowl]

2. This is how real Christians act!