Sweden sparks fury by introducing controversial ‘Bible tests’ for Christian migrants
MIGRANTS are now being given “Bible tests” at processing centres in Sweden, sparking outrage and condemnation from human rights lawyers.
Migrants are being given Bible tests in Sweden
The Scandinavian Migration Agency says the quizzes help determine whether those seeking asylum from religious persecution are genuine.
The tests, however, have been roundly condemned amid accusations of cruelty, inaccuracy and the appropriateness of officials taking control of religious matters.
Carl Bexelius, deputy legal director at the Swedish Migration Agency, defended the decision as “reasonable”.
He said: “It is a reasonable demand that the asylum applicant should show some knowledge of the Bible – this should come naturally, and isn’t something you need to study.”
However, human rights campaigners and members of Sweden’s Christian community have lashed out at the new measure.
Lawyer Serpil Gungor said: “I think it’s terrible. I have repeatedly had to interrupt administrators who ask these questions because they are not relevant and are far too complicated.”
Refugees Welcome Sweden took to Twitter to hit out at the policy.
They said: “Migration Board re-introduces ‘catechism doctrine’. They are testing just Bible knowledge, not faith.”
Sweden Democrats Party leader on border controls
And religious figures also condemned the decision and said the migration agency had no right to determine faith.
Hans-Erik Nordin, Bishop of the Diocese of Strängnäs, said: “What knowledge does the Migration Agency have about religion and faith?”
And a deacon of a Swedish church said: “Migration Board tests the knowledge of Christianity, not faith.”
Migrants fleeing persecution are being tested on their knowledge of Christianity
Sweden accepts migrants claiming asylum from being religious persecution in their homelands. In 2017 some 7,272 people have claimed asylum in the country for various reason, including 2,562 children.
The country has now taken in more migrants than any other EU state per capita but following last month's truck attack in Stockholm the country's prime minister said the policy would now change.
Sweden has taken in more migrants per capita than any other EU state
Speaking after the deadly attack by a failed asylum seeker from Uzbekistan, Stefan Lofven said: “Sweden will never go back to [mass migration] we had in autumn 2015, never.
"Everyone who has been denied a permit should return home. This makes me feel enormously frustrated. If you have been denied a visa you are supposed to leave the country."