By Joy Eva Bohol

AMIDST the ongoing Ukrainian refugee displacement and tightening policies on asylum and migration across Europe, church representatives from the Nordic-Baltic region gathered in Tallinn on 12-13 September 2024 as well as online for a meeting of the Nordic and Baltic members of the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), hosted by the Lutheran Church in Estonia. Representatives from Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway discussed their roles in supporting displaced Ukrainians and the broader challenge of hosting and integrating refugees.

A recurring theme from the country updates was the difficulty of integrating refugees from Ukraine while dealing with the ongoing nature of the war. Many countries, especially Estonia and Finland, reported similar challenges: housing shortages, finding employment for refugees, and the need to provide education for children.

“The need for housing, employment opportunities, and education for displaced Ukrainians continues to be a significant challenge, but the role of our churches in facilitating this transition has been essential,” explained Ulla Siirto from Finland.

“In Estonia, we’ve had to accommodate both Ukrainian and Russian-speaking communities within our churches,” said Archbishop Urmas Viilma of the Lutheran Church in Estonia and chair of the Estonian Council of Churches, reflecting on the delicate dynamics among these groups. Churches across the region have played a vital role by offering their spaces for day centers, language classes, and spiritual care.

The Church’s Role: Supporting Refugees and Advocating for Rights

Discussions during the meeting emphasized the increasing role of churches as advocates for rights of all refugees and as key providers of both practical and emotional support. Anna Karlgren from Sweden noted, “We continue to meet and give support to refugees. We also continue to visit detention centers offering fellowship and pastoral care.”

Church representatives also stressed the importance of their advocacy role in ensuring that refugees receive access to asylum, proper legal protections during asylum procedures and after recognition access to the same rights as local residents.

CCME General Secretary Torsten Moritz shared how common national concerns are by CCME articulated towards European policy makers, particularly in the plans for implementing the new European Union (EU) asylum and migration pact and in the process of appointing the members of the new European Commission (2024-29). “We try to offer a different perspective in EU debates, based on our members’ experiences, at this moment where decisions for the next 5 years are taken” he underlined.

The uncertainty surrounding the Temporary Protection Directive, which extends protection for Ukrainians until 2026, was also a major concern. “While the protection is temporary, the lives we are supporting are permanent,” emphasized Avo Uprus, underscoring the long-term nature of the integration challenges that remain.

Next Steps: Collaboration and Future Meetings

Looking ahead, the church representatives affirmed the importance of continued cooperation among Nordic- Baltic churches to support refugees. The next CCME Nordic Baltic members ́ meeting will take place in Denmark in 2025, with plans to deepen collaboration and address future migration challenges. These meetings, they

agreed, are vital for sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts across the region. “There is so much we can learn from one another. Our countries may face different specific challenges, but the core issues of providing protection, integration, and dignity to those who seek refuge are the same,” said Katarina Sirris Karantonis (Norway).

Throughout the discussions, there was a shared recognition of the church’s unique role in offering not just material help but also hope and community for refugees. By providing spaces for worship, pastoral care, and social services, the churches have helped many refugees find a sense of belonging in their new environments. Kadri Poder (Estonia) highlighted the broader role of churches in long-term integration: “Our churches are not just temporary shelters; they are communities that offer a sense of belonging. We provide continuity for people who have lost so much.”

Soren Dalsgaard (Denmark) added that although “refugees comprise a rather small part of the total migration coming into Denmark. The church’ ministries among refugees and displaced people is therefore part of a larger focus on internationals more generally. Churches do their best to welcome all, collaborate and create space for them in the church, as well as meet their material, social and spiritual needs.”

As the debates on refugee and integration policies continues, the Nordic-Baltic churches remain committed to supporting those displaced by war, advocating for their rights, and fostering communities of compassion. The upcoming meeting in Denmark will further build on these efforts, ensuring that churches remain equipped to face the challenges of migration in Europe.