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The Fifth International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism was held in Sigtuna, Sweden on 27-30 June, exploring the theme “Transforming Ecumenism – listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” (Rev 2:7)

The World Council of Churches and International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) are co-hosting a hybrid event on 2 June at Stockholm+50. Exploring the theme “Climate Action and Water for Life towards Creation Justice!” the event will reflect on the current scenario of the climate emergency and global water crisis which are interconnected and impact each other as well as the sustainability of the earth. 

Leaders from Nordic churches—including the Church of Sweden and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark—met with World Council of Churches (WCC) leadership and staff on 28 April, discussing preparations for the WCC 11th Assembly as well as directions for the next decade.

Durante el servicio especial que dio clausura al Sínodo General de la Iglesia de Suecia, el 24 de noviembre, la arzobispa Antje Jackelén pidió oficialmente disculpas a los Sami, en nombre de la Iglesia de Suecia, por los históricos abusos cometidos contra ellos.

During a special service concluding the Church of Sweden’s General Synod on 24 November, Archbishop Antje Jackelén made an official apology from the Church of Sweden to the Sámi for historical abuse.

Bishop Johan Tyrberg and a delegation from the Church of Sweden in Lund visited the World Council of Churches on 22-23 September, participating in a morning prayer for Christian unity, receiving a guided tour and discussing the theme of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”

En tiempos de aislamiento involuntario debido a los confinamientos provocados por la pan-demia de la COVID-19, han surgido retiros ecuménicos en línea como un lugar alternativo para el diálogo espiritual. En Suecia, se pusieron en marcha en la víspera de Pentecostés una serie de cuatro retiros llamados “Días tranquilos”, donde los participantes se unen en línea en una sala digital para compartir un momento de quietud y reflexión. Iniciados ya el año pasado bajo el título “Una morada espiritual para Dios” por la obispa luterana Karin Johannesson de la diócesis de Uppsala (Suecia), y coorganizados por el cardenal Anders Arborelius de la Iglesia Católica Romana de Suecia, los retiros se han ampliado este año con subtítulos en inglés para atraer también a un público internacional.  

In times of involuntary isolation due to lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online ecumenical retreats have emerged as an alternative place for spiritual dialogue. In Sweden, a series of four so-called “Quiet Days” retreats, where participants join online in a digital room to share a moment of stillness and reflection, were launched on the Eve of Pentecost. Initiated already last year under the headline “A spiritual dwelling for God,” by Lutheran Bishop Karin Johannesson from the Diocese of Uppsala, Sweden and co-hosted by Cardinal Anders Arborelius from the Roman Catholic Church in Sweden, the retreats have been expanded this year with English subtitles to also attract international audiences.  

Later this year, the Church of Sweden will make an official public apology for its historical role in the “legitimized repression” of Sweden’s indigenous Sámi people, according to a church statement. The church has declared eight commitments toward ongoing reconciliation with the Sámi people.

As the Church of Sweden’s highest decision-making body – its Church Assembly – opened in late September, WCC president for Europe Archbishop emeritus Anders Wejryd spoke on the legacy and present-day importance of ecumenical efforts.

As part of a “Coronaspection” project in which world religious leaders share wisdom in times of crisis, Church of Sweden Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén was featured in a lively conversation with Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein, director of The Elijah Faith Institute. Through Coronaspection, The Elijah Faith Institute is bringing together world religious leaders for their insights on faith during the time of the coronavirus, with a sense of solidarity and interconnectedness of humanity.