Decision of the General Synod 2024
22.11.2024 09:57:22 CET | Svenska kyrkan | Press Release
The second session of the General Synod with debates and decision-making is now closed.
During the General Synod, 73 motions and six communications were discussed. The decisions made include introducing a percentage threshold for elections to the General Synod.
The General Synod has also decided that the Central Board of the Church of Sweden may allocate extra funds to Act Church of Sweden if necessary when the Swedish Government makes changes to the focus of Sida’s development cooperation.
The General Synod has also tasked the Central Board with producing materials with more in-depth information on different wedding traditions, including giving away the bride. The Central Board is also tasked with continuing to work theologically on the umbrella concept of LGBTQIA+, as well as on polyamory.
After a close vote, the General Synod decided to appoint a commission of inquiry into the role of the Church of Sweden as a cultural actor, and to propose measures to secure the future need for resources.
Finally, the General Synod issued a statement based on this year’s theme of The Church in the Public Space. It sets the direction for the Church of Sweden’s role in society and the public debate.
The General Synod is the highest decision-making body of the Church of Sweden, deciding on issues common to the entire Church of Sweden. This year, 73 motions and 6 communications were considered.
Shortcut to some of the decisions:
Kl 2024:5 Giving away the bride at weddings
Kl 2024:04 The Church of Sweden and LGBTQ issues
O 2024:1 Electoral issues (with percentage threshold and equalisation mandate)
E 2024:1 Operations and finances (with funding from Act Church of Sweden)
Eu 2024:07 Realising religious freedom in a multi-faith society
TU 2024:01 Ban on disclosing information relating to the emergency preparedness of the Church of Sweden
SK 2024:10 Cultural commission of inquiry
Links
About the General Synod
The General Synod is the highest decision-making body of the Church of Sweden and its 251 members are elected by church members.
It makes decisions on matters concerning the Church Ordinance (the Church of Sweden’s regulatory framework) and other issues of importance to the entire Church of Sweden, such as the Book of Worship and the Hymn Book. Other examples include the church’s organisation, belonging to the Church of Sweden and the church’s ordained ministry.
However, the General Synod cannot make decisions on matters that are the responsibility of parishes or dioceses.
Keywords
Contacts
Press secretary on duty
Tel:+46 18 16 94 75The Church of Sweden is a national church, open to everyone living in Sweden regardless of nationality. It is a place for church services, meetings and dialogue. The Church of Sweden is an Evangelical Lutheran church with 5,5 million members. There are 3500 churches in Sweden, and 13 dioceses. THE INTERNATIONAL WORK Collaborating and cooperating with other churches and organisations is at the core of the Church of Sweden´s international mission. As a church, we are part of the worldwide community of churches.
Subscribe to releases from Svenska kyrkan
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Svenska kyrkan by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Svenska kyrkan
Opinion: Uphold the UNCRC and prioritise preventive measures30.3.2026 13:20:43 CEST | Press Release
On behalf of the General Synod, the Church of Sweden is expressing concern that increasingly younger children are being engaged in serious crime and reacting to the Swedish Government’s proposals to establish youth prisons and lower the age of criminal responsibility. The opinion emphasises the importance of policies that uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child and prioritise preventive measures over repressive measures.
Uttalande: Värna barnkonventionen och prioritera förebyggande insatser30.3.2026 09:14:44 CEST | Pressmeddelande
På uppdrag av kyrkomötet uttrycker Svenska kyrkan oro över att allt yngre barn dras in i grov kriminalitet och reagerar på regeringens förslag om ungdomsfängelser och sänkt straffbarhetsålder. I uttalandet betonas vikten av att politiken värnar barnkonventionen och prioriterar förebyggande insatser framför repressiva åtgärder.
Kronprinsessan Victoria besökte Act Svenska kyrkan26.3.2026 08:59:44 CET | Pressmeddelande
På onsdagen träffade Kronprinsessan Victoria Act Svenska kyrkan på kyrkokansliet i Uppsala för att få en uppdatering om verksamheten och ta del av aktuella frågor som rör arbetet med partnerorganisationer runt om i världen.
Youth Film Award for drama about responsibility and reconciliation13.3.2026 14:43:55 CET | Press Release
The film Olmo, by director Fernando Eimbcke, is the winner of the Church of Sweden Youth Film Award 2026. The award was presented this evening, Thursday, duringthe children and youth film festival, BUFF, currently being held in Malmö.
Ungdomsfilmpris till drama om ansvar och försoning12.3.2026 20:39:27 CET | Pressmeddelande
Filmen Olmo, av regissören Fernando Eimbcke får Svenska kyrkans ungdomsfilmpris 2026. Priset delades ut ikväll torsdag under den pågående Barn- och ungdomsfilmfestivalen, BUFF, i Malmö.
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom