Stockholm — Sweden's substantial influx of refugees has resulted in an unexpected collaboration that could set a precedent for interfaith cooperation throughout the world. As an unforeseen consequence of the crisis, two of the country's largest Muslim and Christian congregations have united to create a unique business venture providing accommodation for refugees.
In relation to its size, Sweden has accepted more refugees than any other European country. More than 160,000 people sought asylum in 2015, a per capita rate over six times the E.U. average. With a population of less than 10 million, the scale of the influx is changing the country profoundly — and the transformation will continue for decades.
Rumour has it that the little country, known for its progressive politics, is being pushed to its breaking point. The population is set to top 10 million next year, with another million expected to be added less than a decade later. Some Swedes are even predicting that health and social welfare systems could be heading for collapse. Anger over the influx has seen refugee shelters burnt to the ground, and the growing popularity of Sweden's far right mirrors the backlash against multiculturalism rippling across Europe.
The helpers
It was Presbyterian Minister Fred Rogers who instructed us to always look for the helpers, and since the refugee crisis hit Sweden, there has been an outpouring of generosity from Swedes desperate to help. As a result — and in direct opposition to Europe's rising xenophobia — an unpredictable venture has emerged that could become a model for interfaith collaboration around the world.
Olle Carlsson is a vicar of Katarina Church in central Stockholm. After witnessing boats overflowing with desperate refugees and thousands arriving at Stockholm station, he knew he must do something. To him, it made sense to contact the nearby Stockholm Mosque, which was just meters away from Katarina. In Sweden's first collaboration between the two faith communities, the meeting of the two congregations subsequently gave birth to the business project: providing accommodation for refugees.
Since September, the mosque and church have teamed up to provide beds for a third of the transit refugees passing through Sweden on their way to other countries. Refugees come to the mosque for food and a wash before heading over to the church for a bed. Abdallah Salah, general secretary of Islamic Relief in Sweden, said he hopes the idea can be exported to other countries. "We must find methods of cooperation, and we will find them," he said.
Mohammed fled sectarian violence in Iraq to seek safety in Sweden and was one of the Muslims who chose to sleep in the church. It was the first time the 27-year-old had set foot in one, and he described the welcome:
"It was a beautiful feeling. Back home Muslims are not allowed to go to churches. Some refugees came to the church just because they wanted to find out what it was like. They found people respected them, even though they were Christians and we were Muslims," he recalled.
"We have opened a door that we cannot shut"
Despite both religious leaders facing some resistance and obstacles from within their congregations, both claim the criticism is subsiding as the initiative evolves. Carlsson remains adamant that the church can play a vital role in helping refugees integrate. "By working together, each side learns much more about the other," he said.
Abdallah Salah agreed:
"Muslims and Christians in Sweden have spent 30 years discussing the differences between them and no one has dared to do something as concrete as what the mosque is now doing with the church.Carlsson called the process exciting, acknowledging that although he does know a little about Islam, he still feels uneducated. Adamant that the more time the two congregations spend together, the more his understanding will increase, he added that the launch of a joint business has brought an end to the "romantic phase" of collaboration between church and mosque. By introducing official company structures and agreed procedures for resolving disputes, he said there is no going back to the old days when religions only spoke to each other about their differences.
"We need to stop getting hung up on the 10% that separates our religions, and instead focus on the 90% we have in common in our values and our perception of good and evil."
"We have opened a door that we cannot shut," he added.
Comment: In the coming times, when we'll see much more turmoil, governmental dysfunction and societal breakdown, it'll be up to individuals and organizations with a conscience to assist those in need.