“Swede feels embarrassed presenting himself as Christian”

The Church of Sweden lacks good Christian role models, theologian Joel Halldorf says.

Halldorf points out that the Church is trying too hard to make itself popular and loses its identity. On Kultur he writes that, to create a liberal and open climate, the Church of Sweden has been too busy explaining what it is not. According to Halldorf, explicit beliefs are avoided to fit in with the postmodern sentiments of society.

As a result, the real identity of the Church has become unclear. "They dealt with the strict priests of the old days, and at the same time, made it clear that they were not like the Freemasons, who twinkle with their eyes and sigh hallelujah. But who are you then? They never resolved that question."

The problem that emerges, according to Halldorf, is that the Church of Sweden lacks role models who show how to be a good priest and a good Christian. Instead, clergy and church members feel embarrassed to present themselves as too Christian. "Instead, some choose the degrading style so that no one will think they are spiritually tense."

Challenged

However, Halldorf's claims are also criticised, Dagen writes. Dagen cites priest Emma Audas, who believes that she and other priests do everything to convey the Christian message in words and deeds.

Former archbishop K.G. Hammar responds that many priests find it embarrassing when Christians argue for "reactionary views, or when Christians do not stand up for sexual equality."

Hammar agrees with Halldorf that it is essential for the Church to shape a new generation of role models and spiritual leaders. According to Hammar, this is a structural problem in the Church. He explains that priests and deacons do not live as spiritual role models in the congregation where they work but serve their church mission from a home elsewhere.

Furthermore, Hammar asks for more places where people show what Christian life is like. He says that it is important to "come out" as Christians, because that is what the world needs.