The demand among would-be Christians is so high that additional religious teaching and confirmation schooling for the converts had to be established. In the town of Imatra in eastern Finland, some 20 young Afghans are currently enrolled in pre-confirmation education. Copies of the New Testament are available in Dari, whereas the teaching itself is in English. However, an interpreter is always available via Skype.
The need for extra religious education arose directly after the establishment of the reception center in Imatra a year ago, as asylum seekers showed a keen interest in the Lutheran faith.
Many of the soon-to-become Christians cited a profound disillusionment with Islam as the main reason behind their conversion. Others ventured that conversion may facilitate the transition into Finnish culture and help the newcomers adapt to the new lifestyle.
"It'll be easier to live here because most people are Christian," Hossein Mohammadi said.
"I haven't been in contact with my family in Afghanistan for a very long time. If they find out I've converted, it would spell trouble for me," Golamir Hossaini said.
According to Imatra reception center chief Lauri Perälä, these people understand that life in Finland is different and should be treated with respect.
Before being accepted as Evangelical Lutheran Church members, converts must attend religious training, undergo confirmation ceremony and be in contact with parish clergy for three months.
After receiving over 30,000 refugees at the peak of the migrant crisis, Finland gradually toughened its immigration laws, paving the way for future deportations. In 2016, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan were ruled "safe" for the refugees to return. The same year, 58 suicide attempts were registered in the country's reception centers.
