History of the Subject at Uppsala University

In 1878, a professorship in Church History was established in Uppsala. In the following decades, several directions developed that have created an important basis for the ongoing research. At the turn of the century, the focus was source-critical research, particularly on the early modern period (Herman Lundström). In the following decades, the research interest was directed towards later radical pietism and marginalized groups (Emanuel Linderholm). From the late 1930s and about twenty years, there was a strong interest in 19th-century revivals (Gunnar Westin).

As a parallel to the expansion of the social science, during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, church historical research was theoretically inspired by the sociology of religion, where church and community building became particularly interesting. The 17th century and its tension-filled relationship between state and church came back into focus (Sven Göransson) with research results that had a significant international impact during the 1970s and 1980s (Ingun Montgomery). During this time, formative research on church and nation (Alf Tergel) and essential studies on church and press (Harry Lenhammar) were also published. During the last decades of the 20th century, the focus shifted from the 17th century towards the new ecclesiastical trends of the 18th century, such as Pietism and Swedenborgianism (Harry Lenhammar), to be supplemented with further interest in modern women's history and network building (Ruth Franzén). After 2007, the interest in pastoral history characterized the subject (Oloph Bexell).

In 1974, it was decided that the professorship should be called "Church History, especially Nordic" in the event of a future vacancy. In 1996, the name changed back to "Church History." In 2020, the subject received the designation "Church History and Mission History" - a link to the previous research tradition represented by a professorship in church history, especially mission history (Bengt Sundkler).