A multi-religious response to the migrant crisis in Europe: A preliminary examination of potential benefits of multi-religious cooperation on the integration of migrants

Figures & data

Table 1. Summary of results of perceived benefits of multi-religious cooperation on integration.

(a) Integration services and processes benefits

Overcome some of the recognised ‘barriers’ to integration.

Improve the quality of integration services available.

Help host communities meet and understand new migrants and their needs from different religions.

Counter balance negative stories about religion by showing that religious groups can work together

Religious leaders can encourage their congregations to warmly welcome the migrants.

Help migrants understand the different features of host communities, and how interreligious collaboration and cooperation can help build more accepting and cohesive societies.

Counter the narrative that it is more important to help migrants from a particular faith than from others.

(b) Organisational and religious community benefits

Cooperation on integration → cooperation in other areas of work.

Cooperation on integration → long-term relationship.

Cooperation with one other religious organisation → foster interest in working with other religions/inspire others to cooperate as well = building of horizontal relationships/network.

Led to internal dialogue about the importance of human beings working together regardless of their religiosity.

Building relationships between people from different religions through working for a common aim.

Bottom-up effect = cooperation at the local level → establishment of interreligious councils at the local, regional and national level → building of vertical relationships/networks.

Greater visibility.

Challenge dominant secular discourse prevalent in humanitarian work.

(c) Broader community/Societal benefits

Shift perspectives on the role of religion in society.

Alleviation of racism and radicalisation.

Expect cooperation will promote interreligious dialogues and cooperation.

Working for a common cause → opportunity to show common humanity/love for all.

Working for a common cause → open space for interreligious dialogue and exchange of knowledge about each other’s religious beliefs, festivals and life in general.