There comes a time in all of our lives when we have to put our principles into action, and it's not always as easy as it seems. But when faith is your business, and principles are your bread and butter, more is expected of you.
One church in The Netherlands had its principles tested recently, and to say that they've stepped up would only be putting it mildly.
The Tamrazyan family came to The Netherlands from Armenia nine years ago, seeking asylum after receiving death threats over political activism. In that time, they've fought court battles for legal asylum, and their fight didn't even end after a judge ruled in their favor.
The Tamrazyans tried other avenues as well, like The Netherlands' children's pardon, which in theory allows refugee families with children who have been in the country for more than five years a permit to stay. Again, the Dutch government denied them — as it has done for 1260 out of 1360 applicants since 2013.
Bethel Church took the family in, saying that "The Protestant Church of The Hague respects court orders, but finds itself confronted with a dilemma: the choice between respecting the government and protecting the rights of the a child."
And churches in The Netherlands have a unique way of protecting children.
That's right, they've been keeping the authorities at bay by holding services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since October 26th — more than 700 hours and counting.
And, just as importantly, guests have been attending the ongoing services as well — night and day, the community has shown up to fill the pews, putting their principles on display knowing full well what's at stake.
However, as Bethel pastor Derk Stegeman told the CBC, it's not all about the Tamrazyans. "For us, we are doing it to show to ourselves and to our community, to our government, that civilization and love in life and civilization, it's not by expelling people, expelling children. So we are trying to prove that it can be different."
The church is determined to keep them going as long as possible, and they have certainly proven the force of their will. And given the system they have set up, the services could absolutely continue for a long, long time yet. But that doesn't mean they aren't looking for a more realistic long-term solution.
