The Maltese bishops called for concrete action to save a group of migrants who have been stranded at sea between Libya and Malta for eight days. 

While acknowledging the complexity of the problem, the bishops underlined the need for courageous decisions which favoured life and said solidarity is shown not just through money but through concrete action.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech issued a statement in reaction to the 31 migrants saved by  NGO boat Sea Watch 3 on December 22. Five countries, including Malta, have barred their ports from the boat, despite appeals by humanitarian organisations. 

Read: Stranded at sea for six days, NGO urges Malta, EU states: "please help us"

The rescue took place less than 24 hours after another rescue NGO, Open Arms, had taken in 311 people. Both Italy and Malta closed its ports to the vessel, which was then accepted by Spain.

Malta and other EU states are being offered the chance to show concrete solidarity, the bishops said. 

It is seriously worrying that Europe is refusing to offer shelter, and keeps closing its doors instead of opening them to those who need help out at sea. 

The bishops acknowledged the help provided by the Armed Forces of Malta to airlift a newborn and his mother from the same boat. They said the Maltese have always understood and promoted the concept of international solidarity because of the island's size and strategic location. 

But in a pointed message, the three bishops said: "What's the point of being a  Christian who recalls the birth of a child but then refusing to save our brothers? What's the point of promoting life and then choosing to leave people out at sea facing death? We need to help those fleeing violence, slavery and even torture and death."