‘This is what it is like to be church’: the Church of Sweden’s conditions for work with newly arrived refugees

Linda Vikdahl (), David Gunnarsson and Sofia Larsson
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Linda Vikdahl: Södertörn University
David Gunnarsson: Södertörn University
Sofia Larsson: The Swedish Red Cross University College

Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2024, vol. 25, issue 1, No 9, 207 pages

Abstract: Abstract Many newly arrived refugees suffer from mental health problems due to trauma. Research has shown that social participation after migration, such as taking part in social activities, networks and community work, is important for mental health and well-being. In Sweden, many civil society organisations, such as the Church of Sweden, take great responsibility for the establishment and integration of new arrivals. At the same time, the role of civil society organisations in the welfare society is not obvious, and the place of religious communities is sometimes challenged. Due to today’s growing secular and globalised society, the role of the Church of Sweden has changed. Its power has decreased, and the indications are that this will continue. There are also circumstances that point to the church having to adapt to the norms of secular society to have an impact. As the Church of Sweden fulfils an important function as a provider of welfare services, not least in work with newly arrived refugees, this article studies how the employees of the Church of Sweden feel about their conditions for this work and what guides it. It is based on a qualitative study of 19 interviews with employees in 4 different parishes.

Keywords: Refugees; Secularisation; Social participation; Civil organisations; Church of Sweden (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01053-5

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