More asylum-seekers converting to Christianity

Hundreds baptised over the past few months

An increasing number of asylum-seekers and refugees, particularly from Iran, are converting to the Church of Denmark.

At least 110 asylum-seekers and refugees converted to Christianity in Denmark between December 2015 and February 2016, according to new figures from the Church of Denmark.

“This is a completely new situation and one that has also taken place in several areas,” Carsten Ørum Jørgensen, a priest at Nørrelandskirken in Holstebro who has baptised 31 asylum-seekers since December, told DR Nyheder.

“I think something happens to people who have been forced to flee and who experience terrible things. They’re looking for a greater meaning to their existence. For an alternative to the evil they have witnessed.”

READ MORE: Asylum-seekers in Jutland protest against conditions in tent camp

More on the way
The Church of Denmark figures revealed that another 279 asylum-seekers were preparing to be baptised as of March.

The Church of Denmark’s figures are based on a survey of 100 Danish priests nationwide.

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