German Catholic Church raises 80 million euros in migrant aid in first half of 2016

Money raised this year adds to the 112 million euros ($125 million) Germany's Catholic Church raised in 2015. Cardinal Reinhard Marx has said at least 1,381 churches are providing lodging for around 28,000 refugees.

22.09.2016

Germany's Catholic Church raised around 80 million euros ($90 million) in refugee aid from January to July 2016, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, chair of the German Bishop's Conference, said on Thursday.

Speaking to the press at the closing of this year's annual conference, which took place in the eastern German city Fulda, Marx said the sum only takes basic provisions into account, and does not include the work undertaken by religious orders and associations. Aside from financial aid, Marx said at least 1,381 church buildings are providing lodging for around 28,000 refugees.

Of the money raised this year, more than 50 million euros were spent on financing projects in Germany, while around 27 million euros went towards provisions in crisis zones. These funds came in addition to the 112 million euros raised by the German Catholic Church in 2015.

Marx also said the number of full-time volunteers providing help to migrants living in Germany had risen from 5,100 to as many 100,000 in the space of just a year.

http://www.dw.com/en/german-catholic-church-raises-80-million-euros-in-migrant-aid-in-first-half-of-2016/a-19568568