The Archbishop to hold meeting on religion and migration

The participants are specially invited, hand-picked individuals who represent many aspects of the migration issue - young people, people with their own experience of being a refugee, researchers, religious leaders, politicians, practitioners, media and others. The theme of the meeting is “Keeping our humanity - for we were all strangers once”.

“This meeting brings together a cross-section of European communities in one place for three days. It gives us unique opportunities to work with the challenges and opportunities that migration poses and offers,” says Archbishop Antje Jackelén.

The breadth in the composition of the participants is necessary for the discussion method, Future Search, that has been selected for the meeting. The method deals with a specific question and is entirely based on interactivity. The participants are guided through a multi-step process and have plenty of opportunity to share their thoughts in different constellations, with many voices having a chance to speak.

“I am convinced that dialogue and practical cooperation between religions is one key to a peaceful coexistence and social sustainability in Europe,” says the Archbishop.

The programme begins with a memorial ceremony on Monday afternoon, on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Tuesday to Thursday will be devoted to the discussion process, which is open only to the invited participants.

PRESS CONFERENCE
The media is welcome to attend a press conference on Thursday 30 January at 3:45 pm, immediately after the meeting closes.
Location: S:t Matteus församlingshem, Lantmannagatan 8, Malmö.
Participants:
Archbishop Antje Jackelén, Church of Sweden
Rabbi Rebecca Lillian, Malmö
Imam Senaid Kobilica, Norway, representative of The Office of The Islamic Community in Bosnia to The EU
Sandra Janoff, Process Manager, Future Search

There will be an opportunity for individual interviews; please notify of wishes in advance. At the press conference, people who work specifically with refugee and migration issues in Sweden and Europe will also be present.

REGISTRATION for the press conference: Send your name, editorial office and mobile number no later than Wednesday 29 January at 11 am to the Archbishop’s Press Secretary Daniel Bramsell, e-mail: daniel.bramsell@svenskakyrkan.se