Between faith, expertise and advocacy: the role of religion in European Union policy-making on immigration

Abstract

This article analyses the place of religion in European immigration policy. Focusing on the role of faith-based organizations, the purpose is to know how religious issues, actors and references are dealt with in the policy-making process. The method relies on document analysis and qualitative interviews. Our conclusion is mixed: overall, the logics of interactions between religion and immigration are the same at the European and national levels. Religion is neither a proper policy issue nor a legitimizing resource. It is an ethical inspiration and gives credentials to actors from majority denominations, but religious contents have to be translated into secular terms. However, whereas at the national level tensions surrounding Islam have strengthened the political role of minority religions, this is not the case in the European Union. Rather, the policy field is dominated by Christian organizations, who utilize their expertise and influence to act as immigrants' advocates rather than immigrant representatives.

EU religious engagement in the Southern Mediterranean: Much ado about nothing?

“…Formerly initiated by President Delors, in search for a Soul for Europe, this dialogue is structured around highlevel annual meetings and involves also humanist and non-confessional organizations. Christianity, more specifically, has gained 'greater legitimacy in European deliberations' (Foret & Mourão Permoser, 2015) and has proven key to societal trust and cohesion (Schnabel & Groetsch, 2014). The enlargement to Eastern Europe and migration have brought religion back into EU policies (Byrnes & Katzenstein 2006;Kivisto, 2014).…”

European churches and the European parliament elections. The case of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

“…Indeed, translating religious motivations into secular language seems to be a common trend in the advocacy of faith based organizations in the EU. This is due, it is argued, to religious organizations being better accepted in policy-making processes if they avoid religious topics and translate their visions into secular policy proposals (Foret and Permoser 2015). Instead of merely being a sign of the secularization of the church, such an approach can also be seen as a pragmatic choice in line with the ELCF's theological stance.…”