Guidelines for church work with refugees/integration

Coordination Group for Refugees and Integration - KFI

FrikirkeNet has assembled a group dedicated to coordinating, gathering, and developing the efforts of member churches among refugees and new Danes. This work aims to promote integration within churches and society, reflecting the Christian message of neighborly love and discipleship.

The group collaborates with similar organizations outside of FrikirkeNet and serves as a resource bank, collecting and sharing experiences from across the church landscape. We distinguish between efforts for and with asylum seekers—including a specific focus on converts—and broader initiatives to strengthen integration.

The group consists of:

• Preben Westh, Frikirken Vestsjælland
• Søren Viftrup, Kirkecenteret Vejle
• Lydia Holm, Holstebro Pinsekirke
• Dominique Lachat, Bethaniakirken Aalborg
• Susanne Krog, Pinsekirken Rudkøbing
  (The latter is the group's contact person: Tel. +45 50 46 80 83)

Asylum seekers and converts
In recent years, there has been a significant focus on the many newcomers in Danish asylum centers and Danish society. In Denmark, as in the rest of Europe, we have seen revival-like movements—particularly among former Muslims, but also among Buddhists and non-believers from third countries. Many churches were caught off guard and have had to find new paths in the face of this new and blessed challenge.

This has led to experimentation, reorientation, and development. KFI has gathered experiences and materials that have all been tested and proven effective. While we respect these resources, we recommend that we remain dynamic and continue to learn.

Guidance for churches working with asylum seekers and other seekers and new Christians from non-Danish, non-Christian backgrounds:

Based on the words of Jesus: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them..." (Matthew 28:18-20), we recommend thorough instruction for seekers and new Christians both before and after baptism.

As specific tools, KFI recommends:

• Guidance on contact. Please refer to "Guidance regarding churches' contact with and potential baptism of Muslim asylum seekers", especially point 6 on the front page. 
• Teaching guide. A detailed guide prepared by KFI - can be requested by contacting FKI (contact info above).
• Documentation. Some new Christians want documentation of church activity. This can have personal value as well as specific value in relation to authorities (e.g., the Refugee Appeals Board) and when moving to other churches, including abroad.
  - See the Danish National Church's Asylum Cooperation "Guidance for the potential preparation of statements in connection with the baptism of asylum seekers"
  - Procedure for issuing confirmation, statements, and baptismal certificates - example from Bethaniakirken, Aalborg
  - confirmation and Testimonial - examples from Bethania Church, Aalborg
  - Baptismal certificate - example from Bethania Church, Aalborg
• Educational materials. For teaching newcomers with a different ethnic background, we recommend, among others:
  - Christianity Explored
  - Materials from Elam - including Bibles
  - The Alpha Course available in Farsi, Arabic, English
  - Custom materials, e.g. Christianity Basic – notes for a teaching course

Next focus area in KFI – in progress:
Guidelines for churches working with seekers and Christians from non-Danish backgrounds.