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“The journey of the Church of Sweden over more than a century beautifully demonstrates that effective international presence and engagement for peace and justice by churches are built on ecumenical openness and commitment,” Pillay writes. “In fact, this anniversary reminds us of the important part that the Church of Sweden particularly has played, over the last century and more, in the evolution of ecumenism and international ecumenical advocacy and service.”
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The then Church of Sweden Archbishop Antje Jackelén speaks, as religious leaders from all over the world gather in Uppsala for an Ecumenical Weekend in November 2018, not only to celebrate 50 years of global ecumenism since 1968, but also to raise urgent issues and new challenges facing the ecumenical movement.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Pillay recalls that the site of the WCC 4th Assembly—Uppsala, Sweden—came to symbolize the decisive commitment of Christian churches to action for social justice and racial reconciliation. “We see, then, that the Church of Sweden has displayed initiative, innovation, and inspiration to the larger ecumenical movement, advancing the evolution and ambition of the ecumenical role in international affairs for the betterment of humanity,” he writes. “Looking out to the future, we see enormous challenges, specifically in the international arena.”
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Outdoor worship service in Stockholm's Sergels Square on Sunday 4 July, 1968.
WCC archives
These challenges range from climate to economic inequality, from racism to xenophobia, from responsible governance to interreligious conflict. “Ecumenical Christianity serves as an instrument of transformation, not only by renewing the churches themselves but also by lifting up the prospects for all humanity,” Pillay writes. “Thoroughly equipped by 150 years of increasing international engagement for unity, justice, and reconciliation, the Church of Sweden has become a world church.”
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Most Rev Dr Martin Modéus (right), Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Primate of Uppsala, and Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm (left), Moderator of the WCC Central Committee, pictured during a visit by Modéus to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva in November 2023.
Ivars Kupcis/WCC
Read full text: The Church of Sweden: Ecumenical Catalyst, International Agent of Peace (by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay)
The full publication in Swedish is planned for release in connection with the Gothenburg Book Fair in September 2024.
