How the Church of Sweden wants to influence society

“The church has a mission to take action and speak out with courage and clarity about injustices and human rights violations. Our ambition is for the statement we have now agreed on to boost our self-confidence and make us more future/oriented in our work,” says Karin Perers, Chair of the General Synod. 

The statement ties in with the theme of this year’s General Synod, The Church in the Public Space. During the two sessions the programme focused on how the church should work towards a sustainable society from different perspectives.

The work was based on the Lutheran World Federation’s document The Church in the Public Space, signed by all 151 member churches. Developed by theologians from Lutheran churches around the world, it addresses the role of religion in relation to areas such as politics, economics, culture and science.

“The document was drafted in 2016 and, since then, its subject matter has only become more pressing,” says Karin Perers.

“Things we have taken for granted are now under threat from various quarters. We are seeing a tougher climate for dialogue, democratic values being called into question in ways that they were not before and a climate emergency.” 

“In this respect, the church must serve as a patient voice for the value and dignity of people, working for and with the vulnerable for better living conditions and demonstrating hope and opportunity in situations where people feel abandoned,” says Karin Perers.

The full text of the General Synod’s statement

The General Synod has decided to make the following statement:

1. The Church of Sweden’s engagement in the public space forms an essential part of its mission in the world for the healing of creation. Its presence in the public space aims to ensure that people will come to believe in Christ and live in faith, that a Christian fellowship will be created and deepened, that the kingdom of God will spread and the creation will be restored.

2. The Church of Sweden has a responsibility to promote an open, inclusive and just public space for all and to help maintain and develop democratic society.

3. The Church of Sweden recognises that faith communities and civil society organisations play a key role in an open and just society.

4. The Church of Sweden’s spaces should be characterised by justice, inclusion, redress and openness. This includes space for open and respectful dialogue, but also physical spaces that provide safety and protection.

5. The Church of Sweden contributes to the public space by emphasising the equal value and dignity of all people, justice and participation. Participation requires access to education and training. Democratic rights and freedoms are central to the pursuit of peace and justice.

6. The Church of Sweden’s participation in the public space should be characterised by courage and clarity, patience and perseverance, and solidarity and empowerment. This shall include:

a) analysing societal challenges from a participatory perspective

b) fostering trusting relationships

c) challenging injustices

d) recognising the signs of hope

e) improving living conditions for, and with, vulnerable people