The Church of Sweden has launched a formal investigation into Birgitta Ed, a Lutheran priest and wife of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, following complaints filed with her local diocese.

The church's chapter has opened an inquiry into Ed's suitability to continue exercising ordained ministry after Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet published a series of reports following an undercover investigation in which one of its journalists posed as a volunteer at an event in May 2026.

According to Aftonbladet's reports, the spiritual foundation Fållöknastiftelsen, which is run by Ed, recruited volunteers to raise funds and carry out renovation work on its manor house, offering in return access to a professional network and meetings held at the prime minister's official residence.

Aftonbladet also alleged that Ed used church contacts to secure donations and free services, including IT support, for the foundation.

Following the reports, the Diocese of Strängnäs received a number of complaints concerning Ed.

The Church of Sweden said the investigation would typically take "a few months", after which a decision would be made public. It said no further comment would be given while the inquiry is ongoing.

If the inquiry finds grounds for disciplinary action, there are three possible outcomes: a written reprimand, a probationary period on authorisation to exercise ordained ministry, or full removal of that authorisation. The church also noted that the investigation may result in no disciplinary action being taken.

Ed, who frequently wears her clerical collar at public engagements alongside her husband, has not publicly commented on the investigation.

The Church of Sweden has around 5.4 million members in a country of 10.6 million people. It has been independent of the Swedish state since 2000.