Diakoni i ett postsekulärt samhälle : Svenska kyrkans vision om arbetet med människor på flykt 2015–2025

Sammanfattning

Abstract This thesis examines how the church of Sweden formulates, motivates, legitimizes its work with refugees in a secularized and politically contested societal context. The study focuses on the period 2015-2025, with particular attention to the refugee situation following the migration movements of 2015, which marked a turning point for the visibility of the Church´s diaconal engagement in Swedish public life. The study is based on a qualitative discourse analysis of selected policy documents, reports, and web-based materials produced by the Church of Sweden, including En tid av möten (2015), Brobyggare (2016), and relevant materials from the Church´s official website. The analysis examines recurring themes, concepts, and value statements in order to identify how theological, ethical, and societal arguments are articulated in relation to refugee work. The theoretical framework combines diaconal theory, particularly as developed by Stephanie Dietrich et al. and Edgardh, with post-secular theory inspired by Jürgen Habermas. Diaconal theory is used to analyze how the Church understands its identity and mission through social responsibility, while post-secular theory provides tools for understanding how religious language is adapted to a pluralistic and secular public sphere. The findings indicate that the Church of Sweden presents refugee work as an integral part of its identity, emphasizing a holistic and rights-based diakonia that combines practical support, advocacy, and community-building. The study contributes to research on religion and migration by highlighting how an established religious institution negotiates its role and legitimacy in contemporary Swedish society.