A Changing Church

The Church of Sweden 25 years after separation from the state

The Church of Sweden is an open folk church, which, in collaboration between a democratic organization and the church office, conducts nationwide activities. (Section 2 of the Act (1998:1591) on the Church of Sweden)

Researchers in law and the sociology of religion are gathering in this initiative to draw attention to the fact that 25 years have passed since the Church of Sweden's relationship to the state changed. Here we study what this change has entailed. During this time, the number of members has fallen from 83% to just over 50%, participation in church services has decreased and the financial framework has brought about changes in both the governance and everyday activities of the church. The new regulations - namely the Act on the Church of Sweden and Church Order - have now existed and been applied for a full 25 years. The church has become Sweden's largest membership organization while still receiving special regulatory treatment and being kept close to the state and the public sphere. During this quarter of a century, the place and visibility of religions in society have also increased.

We study interdisciplinary how the Church of Sweden's mission and administration have developed during this time, whether the change processes have affected the Church of Sweden's identity and how it is perceived, and how to live up to being an open people's church with a democratic organization that has nationwide operations.

Contact: Linnea Lundgren