Rising Interest in Faith Amidst Secular Trends

In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in individuals joining the Church of Sweden, often referred to as Svenska kyrkan. While many people associate Easter with leisure time spent with family and friends, fewer may contemplate the religious significance of the holiday, which revolves around the themes of suffering, death, and resurrection as portrayed in the story of Jesus.

Despite Sweden's reputation as one of the most secular countries globally, deeper examination reveals that the nation is not as devoid of religious sentiment as it appears. According to political scientist Katarina Barrling's recent publication, The World's Most Protestant Country (2024), there are striking parallels between Protestant Christianity and Sweden's secular ethos.

However, the Church of Sweden has faced challenges in adapting to contemporary society, leading to a steady decline in membership over the years. Discussions surrounding the church often highlight concerns of excessive politicization. A prior tweet by the church humorously acknowledged this by stating, "We have always been woke."

Prominent artist and songwriter Tomas Andersson Wij, who contributed to this year's archbishop's Lenten book titled God Is Not a Band-Aid (2025), critiques the church's recent promotional strategies. He notes that advertisements featuring messages like "Ancient paintings or freshly baked buns. Discover the summer church" reflect a profound uncertainty within the institution. He argues that the real threat to the church is not secularization but rather an organization that prioritizes outreach over genuine engagement with its community. According to Wij, the church has become so detached that it risks losing touch with the essential truths of human experience.

Archbishop Martin Modéus, who has overseen the church's operations, has likely reflected on these insights. Since taking his position, he has adopted a more subdued approach to public discourse, opposing what he describes as the ideological framing of religion, where belief is reduced to mere opinion, and churches become perceived as ideologically homogeneous entities.

As societal dynamics evolve, there may be indications that the pendulum is swinging back within the Church of Sweden. Time often shapes itself as a reaction to past norms, and this shift does not necessarily signal a return to heightened political engagement. The landscape that Swedes navigate today is markedly different, with increasing numbers seeking alternatives to an ever-connected and materialistic lifestyle. As noted by author and historian Carl-Michael Edenborg in a recent podcast, the absence of faith leaves individuals with little more than consumerism to fill the void.

This search for meaning is perhaps evidenced by the growing participation in pilgrimage walks and an increase in membership for the Church of Sweden, marking the highest rate of new members since the 1970s. Research from Ungdomsbarometern indicates that nearly twice as many young people identify as religious compared to previous years, signaling a noteworthy trend in Sweden's most secularized society.