What We Do
Safe House Accommodation
The International Christian Consulate supports persecuted Middle Eastern Christians in Greece, to provide safe house accommodation away from the threats and dangers of camps, and for those facing destitution due to persecution. This accommodation is provided through a network of safe houses in Athens.
This is a particularly marginalised sub-group of the population, with Middle Eastern Christians being a minority group targeted by persecutors even in European refugee camps. Visit our Research page for more details.
Integration Support
The economic climate in Greece is challenging, however there are opportunities and persecuted Christians seeking refuge have much to offer the country. Using the biblical model of welfare, the International Christian Consulate believes it is important to help its beneficiaries to help themselves, instead of feeding a culture of dependency, that relies on handouts.
Beneficiaries are provided with support in registrations for tax, social security and schools, to help families settle into Greek society and be legally able to find work. All Christians supported by the ICC are encouraged to take regular Greek and English classes to help them break the language barrier. Instead of looking back and losing hope, beneficiaries are encouraged to make plans for the future and take steps towards achieving their goals.
Discipleship
A primary part of the work of the International Christian Consulate is discipleship. We provide Christian community, in-depth bible studies, discipleship mentoring, pastoral and prayer support, and fellowship for believers both in Greece and further afield. ICC is currently discipling believers across 8 countries (Greece, UK, Germany, Canada, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan). It is a long-term commitment and has a big impact on those we are reaching and supporting. Particularly this is the case for those who are in active persecution situations, who have no other Christian support or connection. For them, this work is a lifeline and we are humbled to see the growth and strengthening of their faith in the midst of unimaginable suffering and persecution.
Advocacy
The International Christian Consulate is involved in inter-agency coordination efforts, and advocates for the rights and protections of Christians from and in the Middle East. Christianity in the Middle East is a minority religion, and persecution is widespread and increasing. When Christians flee the region and come into Europe, expecting Article 9 of the Human Rights Convention to be upheld, they are disappointed to find the same persecution in refugee accommodation as that from which they fled in their home country.
The International Christian Consulate speaks on behalf of these Christians in inter-agency meetings; in protection coordination efforts with UNHCR; and in the British and European Parliaments.