New guidance in the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse

In the Church of Sweden's activities, environments or in meetings with church representatives, zero tolerance of sexual abuse has been practised for many years.

"The Church of Sweden should be a safe place", says Marit Norén, priest and methods developer at the Central Church Office in Uppsala. “At the same time, we know that it’s not always the case”. This was clear not least during #Metoo and our own #vardeljus appeal.

The guidance is aimed at those who have been victimised, employees, elected representatives and volunteers in the Church of Sweden. It is intended to provide support in preventing sexual abuse and in dealing with situations where sexual abuse has occurred.

“I hope and believe that this new guidance will help us become a better Church”, says Marit Norén.

On 8 April, the guidance will be presented in a digital seminar and the hope is that as many parishes as possible will take the guidance to heart.

The guidance has the support of all the bishops of the Church of Sweden, and in the preface Archbishop Martin Modéus writes: “The Church of Sweden should be a safe place for meetings between people and between people and God. Where people are sexually abused in the environment of the Church, it is unacceptable and contrary to both the Christian view of humanity and the mission of the Church.”

The Church of Sweden’s work to combat sexual abuse

• In 1996, the General Synod resolved that the Church of Sweden should work actively to prevent sexual abuse in the Church.
• Since 1998, two contact persons have been appointed in every diocese to provide advice and support to victims of abuse in the Church of Sweden.
• Previous guidelines on sexual abuse were updated in 2011.
• Since April 2017, all children, youth and confirmation group leaders have been recommended to take the Safe Encounters online youth leader programme.
• On 8 April 2025, new guidance on sexual exploitation and abuse in the Church of Sweden will be launched. The guidance is intended to provide support in preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and dealing with situations where sexual abuse has occurred.