Swedish Culture (Part 4) - Church of Sweden

Church of Sweden

           The official religion in Sweden is Lutheranism, which was adopted by King Gustav I of Sweden, more known in Sweden as King Gustav Vasa. Svenska Kyrkan (Church of Sweden) took part of State of Sweden until January 1st, 2000, in other words, every Swedes were considered members of Church of Sweden. Despite it is not more directly connected to State, nevertheless changes are slow and need that people incorporate them.  

     The region where today is Sweden already had other religions, such as paganism, that was substituted by Catholicism, which was really established just in 11th century. King Gustav Vasa decided to introduce the Lutheranism in Sweden and cut relationships with papacy of Catholic Church, headquartered in Rome. Between 1521 and 1531 happened the change, officially. However, several sectors of society did not agree, since in a practice way, services (cults) were very similar to Catholic worship. And, moreover because they knew the real reason of Protestant Reformation in Sweden (King decided to adopted Protestantism), was to secure control over the church and its assets (properties and gold in churches).

           According to official data in 2009, 71% of Swedish population took part of Church of Sweden, giving the country the title of “most Lutheran country in the world” in relation to percentage of members. Nevertheless, many of these members are just in the statistics, since less than 10% of members regularly attend religious activities.      

            Other religions also can be expressed in Sweden. These religions already have presented considerable numbers. Such as Catholics (they are around 1.9%) and Pentecostals (around 1%).  And, other religions (Islamism, Judaism, Orthodox Church and others) summed reach about 11% of the Swedish population.

            Nowadays, it can notice in Swedish Lutheran population a particular view as regards to religion. There is influence from Paganism, Roman Catholicism and local customs, thus, a Lutheranism adapted to Swedish people, a Swedish Lutheranism. Paganism influence can be noticed in the respect and care for nature. For instance, whether it is a beauty sunny Sunday, many Swedish prefer to walk in the forest and think about nature than go to the services.

            Roman Catholic influence can be seen in imagery and the existence of some saints (whatsoever they are not worshiped as Roman Catholicism). Like, for example, Saint Bridget of Sweden, religious leader prior to adoption of Lutheranism in the country. This nun, who later became a saint, is the founder of the Catholic convent of Vadstena, which still exists today. She also designed the Vadstena Cathedral, which later was built and it is the fourth largest cathedral in Sweden.

Swedish population is deeply tolerant and respectful when talk about religion. Fact almost controversial, once the “believe in God” is questioned by the majority of people. Due to big percentage of Swedish who declare themselves atheist, researches indicate numbers between 17 and 70%.

Gammelstad Church Town,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 1996

 Therefore, even within the universe of those take part of Church of Sweden; a part believes more in church social actions than religious thoughts. For this group, church is more like an authority social work than an authority related to theological base.

The national office of Church of Sweden is located in Uppsala city, due to historical importance of this place. Next, is also the Uppsala Domkyrka (Cathedral), which is the largest Gothic cathedral in Sweden and in all Scandinavia, which was founded in 1285. The second largest in Sweden is in Linköping (founded in 1250). 

Uppsala Domkyrka (Cathedral)

Swedish Church Website:  https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/