In October and November 2015, almost 10,000 new asylum seekers
reached Sweden’s border every week. Encounters with refugees
became part of the everyday lives of many Swedes. Many volunteers
engaged in different organisations and networks in order to meet
the urgent needs. The parishes of the Church of Sweden expanded
their existing activities and mobilised employees and volunteers
for new efforts, in rural areas as well as in lager towns. “A time
of encounters” highlights the extent of the work of the Church of
Sweden with asylum seekers and new arrivals in 2015 and 2016. The
study draws the image of an intense time with major challenges, but
also great joy, especially in the encounter between people. “A time of
encounters” is based on a survey and case studies conducted in five
parishes with different conditions.
This study is aimed at people who are interested in the work with
asylum seekers and new arrivals in the parishes of the Church of
Sweden. The study provides a comprehensive description of how the
activities are organised and the challenges and satisfaction associated
with the work. The study is also aimed at readers who have a general
interest in the efforts of civil society in an critical situation. It also
provides a description of the scope and focus of the work and how
resources can be mobilised in the local community.
Download the study here.
Order a physical copy of the study here.
Hellqvist, Kristina & Sandberg, Andreas, A time of encounters: the work with asylum seekers and new arrivals in the parishes of the Church of Sweden 2015-2016, Svenska Kyrkan, Uppsala, 2017. ISBN: 9789186781361