Zion community in focus: Protest against impending deportation of Somalier!

Zion community in focus: Protest against impending deportation of Somalier!

When you stroll through the Neustadt of Bremen, the first thing you can see is the Zion community. Your open house is not only a place of worship, but also a lively center for many initiatives and groups. Every Wednesday there is a free lunch table for around 25 guests in the theater hall, where a bunt mixed audience regularly comes together. Pastor Thomas Lieberum describes that the table was fully occupied last month. The motto applies to him and those who are involved here: an open house. The room is accessible daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is used for theater groups, choirs, yoga courses and numerous other events.

The building itself, which was built in 1957 as the first modern church building after the war in Bremen, is characterized by social engagements and diaconal work. The Zion community has been part of the United municipality of Neustadt since 2009 and has been committed to the practical support of those in need of help for decades, such as a free shop and a food exchange. The figurehead of this engagement is the volunteer Robert Schlemmer, who has been active for over 60 years and heads the in-house amateur theater group.

conflicts in everyday community life

Despite this positive engagement, the Zion community is not spared conflicts. In the past few weeks there have been justified complaints from parents about homeless people near the community. These conflicts drive those responsible, especially Jakob Mitzlaff, who is often on site as a volunteer to solve problems. In addition to these everyday challenges, there are also tensions with Bremen politics, especially in terms of church asylum, which has become particularly topical.

Last week a 25-year-old Somalier, who fled from a civil war, was supported by the Zion community with church asylum because it was to be deported to Finland. The first attempt at deportation on Tuesday evening was successfully prevented by the use of the pastor and other supporters. A banner with the inscription "No compromises" and "freedom of movement for everyone" adorned the entrance of the church and symbolized the resistance to the impending deportation. Around 500 people gathered in the Zion community to show and participate their solidarity. Over 100 people stayed in the church, while the Bremen soup angels provided food.

pastor Lieberum explains that this incident is the first break of the church asylum for 25 years. He is concerned about the fate of the Somalier, who has to expect a possible prison sentence in Finland and another deportation to Russia. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) decided that the Somalier should travel to Finland, referring to the increased number of asylum cases in Bremen.

conversion and outlook

The Zion community does not stop despite these challenges. A conversion of the community center, which begins this week, will include an elevator, new group rooms and a modern kitchen. However, this conversion can affect the use of the house for about a year, which could bring additional difficulties. The active role of the community in politics and its commitment to refugees could therefore become even more relevant in the next few months, while at the same time taking care of their own concerns.