News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

sweden-church-main_article_image.jpg
Archbishop Antje Jackelén. Photo Magnus Aronson.
World News

Church of Sweden recommend gender neutral pronouns for God

by Press Association

The move is one of several taken by the national Evangelical Lutheran church in updating a 31-year-old handbook setting out how services should be conducted in terms of language, liturgy, hymns and other aspects.

The decision was taken at the end of an eight-day meeting of the church's 251-member decision-making body, and takes effect from May 20 on the Christian holiday of Pentecost.

A former state church, headquartered in Uppsala, some 37 miles north of the capital, the church has 6.1 million baptised members in a country of 10 million.

It is headed by a woman, Archbishop Antje Jackelen.

Ms Jackelen told Sweden's TT news agency a more inclusive language had already been discussed at the 1986 conference.

"Theologically, for instance, we know that God is beyond our gender determinations, God is not human," Ms Jackelen was quoted as saying by TT.

The change was met with criticism, however.

Christer Pahlmblad, an associate theology professor with Sweden's
Lund University, told Denmark's Kristeligt Dagblad that the move was "undermining the doctrine of the Trinity and the community with the other Christian churches".

"It really isn't smart if the Church of Sweden becomes known as a church that does not respect the common theology heritage," he said.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate