General Synod approves SEK 75 million to support work with refugees

Katarina parish is one of a number of parishes within the Church of Sweden that is working with refugees. Photo: Magnus Aronson/IKON

The Church of Sweden is putting aside SEK 75 million for work with refugees and asylum seekers in 2016, in addition to the budget. The money will be used to support work in Sweden and abroad.
“This is a welcome and unique decision by the General Synod. It is the first time we have ever set aside such a large sum of money for a specific purpose,” comments chair of the General Synod, Karin Perers.

The number of refugees in the world is now at its highest level since the Second World War. The growing number of asylum seekers in Sweden means that issues relating to migration, refugees and integration have become a central area of activity.

Many of the Church of Sweden’s parishes are providing emergency support to refugees in Sweden. The kind of assistance being given includes being there when people arrive, helping with essential items, offering advice and accommodation. In addition, the parishes are offering language courses and arranging meeting places of various kinds, psychosocial support, practical help with everyday matters and opportunities for children to play. Some parishes are also providing outreach activities for asylum seekers, for example at accommodation centres.

In Syria, Iraq and neighbouring countries, the Church of Sweden is providing both emergency humanitarian aid and carrying out long-term projects to help displaced people. The support is about seeing to material needs such as a roof over their heads and warm clothes, as well as organising meaningful activities that provide structure to everyday life, creating some sense of normality.

Due to the high level of need with regard to the Church’s work with refugees and asylum seekers, the General Synod has agreed on an extra allocation of SEK 75 million in addition to the budget. These funds may be used for work both in Sweden and abroad.

“As a church, we want to show in words and in our actions that we believe in the equal value and human rights of all people. Major efforts are required all over the world to manage the current flow of refugees and prevent new reasons for people to feel they must abandon their homeland. I’m delighted at the decision of the General Synod, which will allow us to continue and expand our work both in Sweden and in other countries,” says chair of the General Synod, Karin Perers.

The General Synod has tasked the Central Board of the Church of Sweden with deciding on how the money is to be allocated, taking into account the fact that the refugee situation and needs are constantly changing. The decision process and use of the funds must therefore be flexible and governed by need.

Dioceses and parishes should be able to simply, quickly and transparently have access to funding based on need and special initiatives, for work in Sweden. The situation in the rest of the world means that it is likely there will be a considerable amount of need over the next few years for long-term and responsible work with displaced people.