Church of Sweden Opens Inquiry Into Priest Over Foundation Reports

The Church of Sweden said Tuesday it had opened an investigation into a Lutheran priest after complaints were filed with her local diocese regarding her suitability to continue serving as a priest. The church did not specify the nature of the complaints.

It stated that the inquiry follows media reports about the priest's leadership of a spiritual foundation that recruits volunteers to raise funds and refurbish a manor house in exchange for access to a network of contacts.

Background on the Foundation Newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the foundation, Fållöknastiftelsen, held meetings at the prime minister's official residence and that the priest allegedly used church contacts to obtain donations and free services such as IT support. The priest has appeared publicly wearing her clerical collar alongside her husband.

The church said such investigations typically last a few months before a public decision is issued and that no comments will be made while the inquiry is underway. Possible outcomes include no action, a written reprimand, a probationary period for continued authorization to serve as a priest, or removal of authorization to exercise ordained ministry.

The Church of Sweden has about 5.4 million members in a country of 10.6 million and formally separated from the Swedish state in 2000.