DW: Refugees baptized Christians in Germany

DW: Refugees baptized Christians in Germany


Originating from Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran. They were forced to leave their homelands because of war for a better future in Germany. Many find their way to religion and baptized Christians.
A brief ceremony, the blessing of the pastor, white clothes. Somewhat thus baptized Christians last more and more Muslim refugees arriving in Germany.
So Benjamin, a 25 year old Iranian who now lives in Hamburg as a Christian.
The same, he says, he wanted to be baptized a Christian since he was in his home, but could not.
There the change of religion and particularly the kiss of Christian faith prosecuted.
"Today begins for me a new day. I belong to the communion in Christ, "says Benjamin. Along with that baptized others 70 refugees, while a year ago were dubbed in Hamburg already 600 people.
You could be said, a widespread practice. And in Berlin becoming more Muslim refugees want to change religion.
So far in the Community of the Holy Trinity of the German capital 185 refugees have embraced Christianity and follow indoctrination courses.
A chance of social integration
According to Pastor Albert Bampagian, there are many reasons for the refugees to change religion. "Many say they are disillusioned by Islam," he says.
The Benjamin himself says that "ever since I lived in Iran had been interested in other religions. And somewhere I wondered: why as a Muslim must constantly live in fear? "
For others, however, the kiss of Christianity is simply the way to get faster asylum in Europe, especially when enopion competent authorities claiming that this is in their home countries may even lead to death.
Indeed, according to the Federal Migration and Asylum Administration Service, (BAMF) invoked by the applicant prosecution reasons in his country because of his religion into account by the competent committee and leads to asylum.
So often the question: baptism Muslim refugees arises actually done for reasons of faith or perhaps to accelerate the asylum procedure? Opinions differ.
H church before the administration
H German Evangelical Church recently circulated an information circular to the parishes on the subject. For the Church, from theological and pastoral perspective, refugees and migrants baptism as Christians is a happy event in line with the principles of faith.
But after such a baptism church also bear an additional responsibility to the German administration. Very often in asylum hearings may be requested by pastors who baptized each applicant to attend as witnesses enopion competent authorities.
The process is not always simple, as said many German priests. Themselves asked to give some background information on asylum seekers, such as how often they participate in the activities of the parish, if you are active members but you know important aspects of the Christian life.
But the priests often feel under pressure, since they do not feel obliged to 'answer' so to speak on matters concerning the flock and the church that activity itself.
As they say many priests, continues the article in Deutsche Welle, this kind of "loyalty test" by public authorities should stop.
Pastor Albert Bampagian underlines how even ultimately to questions concerning the human soul and as such should not be considered administrative. Besides, in practice, he says, those refugees are baptized and remain active after members of their parishes.