Religious communities in crisis preparedness

As threats to society become increasingly complex, the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration has been highlighted as central. This work often highlights faith communities, as well as other civil society organizations. They can act quickly, offer support and security to those affected, and mobilize extensive networks of volunteers. In addition, faith communities often have a large trust capital among their members and can thus reach groups that the authorities sometimes have difficulty reaching. At the same time, there are significant challenges in this collaboration. Our previous research indicates that the needs and wishes of the state and faith communities regarding how to act in crises can differ, that some faith communities encounter distrust from public actors, as they are sometimes perceived as a threat to society's security, and that only some faith communities are invited to cooperate. This can in turn affect both the effectiveness of crisis work and the trust between different social actors.

This project examines the tension between the desired and assigned roles of faith communities in crisis preparedness, and analyzes patterns of inclusion and exclusion. We focus in particular on the diversity among different faith communities to understand how they perceive risks and how their priorities relate to external expectations. Data is collected through surveys of faith communities from all faiths in Sweden and to municipalities, followed by case studies in five municipalities. Finally, we bring together experts to discuss the results and develop practical recommendations. The project uses theoretical perspectives from risk research, governance and institutional analysis to contribute to a deeper understanding of societal preparedness and the role of faith communities before, during and after a crisis. The project's conclusions aim to strengthen societal preparedness and security by deepening knowledge about the unique conditions and priorities of different actors and highlighting opportunities for improved collaboration between different actors in crises.

Time period: 2026 – 2029

Project leader: Linnea Lundgren

Project participants: Finn Nilson, Misse Wester, Sara Fransson

Funder: Swedish Research Council