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Posted by Ann Corcoran on June 12, 2016
Speculation is rampant about why this is happening.
More ‘Invasion of Europe’ news….
Are the conversions legitimate or only for the sake of improving one’s chances to be granted asylum, that is the question!
Some of these cases sound sincere to me….
From World Religion News:
The past few months have seen large numbers of Muslim immigrants all across Europe converting to Christianity. Refugees in Germany, Netherlands, France, and Denmark have been getting baptized in the thousands with mass adult baptisms having happened in places like a local swimming pool in Hamburg, Germany. This has been a controversial issue with many people and leaders questioning the motives behind the conversions. Clergy in those areas have, however, stated that Christianity as a religion should be open to all, with no one allowed to judge the other.
The speculations on why the trend has been on the rise have been quite a number. Personal testimonies from some of the converts have provided a different and touching perspective to the issue. Coming from nations like Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq, the refugees have claimed they always lived in fear and gone through hell with some having been raped and so on. Some have referred to Islam as a “religion of violence and fear.” Conversion to Christianity is punishable by death in some of the Islamic nations and they might face death if they go back. Some claim to have converted after meeting very helpful Christians during their refugee journey who welcomed them with open arms. Seeing Christianity as a religion of love, a good number opted to convert.
Here is a line in the story I found perplexing. Why would any Christian church oppose conversions?
In Netherlands however, conversion may end up being a hindrance to asylum as some of the liberal state churches are opposed conversions.
What are state churches in the Netherlands? Does anyone know?
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