Jaag Masihi News May 18, 2017
SWEDEN, Christian asylum seekers hoping to be granted refugee status on the grounds of religious persecution in Sweden are reportedly being forced to undertake difficult religious tests, which grill them on Bible facts and other questions.
"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," lawyer Serpil Güngör told SVT.
As The Local reported on Sunday, asylum seekers must remember the number of parts to the New Testament, but also explain theological questions, such as the difference between the Orthodox and Protestant churches.
Both lawyers and church representatives have reportedly criticized the test, arguing that it focuses more on technical knowledge rather than a person's faith.
Hans-Erik Nordin, bishop of the Diocese of Strängnäs, told Dagen newspaper: "What knowledge does the Migration Agency have about religion and faith?"
"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," said Carl Bexelius, deputy legal director at the Swedish Migration Agency.
Following widespread criticism of its own Bible quiz questions, the U.K.'s visa and immigration agency decided in January to do away with that particular part of the assessment.
Christian converts there had been asked to name the Ten Commandments; list the books of the Bible; and explain what Easter is, among other questions.
"And, we have come across several cases where Pakistani Christians have had their cases rejected due to lack of knowledge on the part of decision makers or immigration judges about Christian practice."