link with uppsala
Dean Tuulikki Koivunen reaches for a pen
watched by Bishop's Chaplain, Christopher Smith
A Signature Opens the Door
Three pairs of hands and a pen - Llandaff Cathedral. Three satisfied bishops stand over the altar and sign one agreement: the first step taken in a 3-year-long co-operation.
The agreement is the result of long-term contact between The Swedish Church in Uppsala and The Anglican Church in Wales, particularly the Diocese of Llandaff. The agreement is, in itself, a receipt, but the important thing is that it makes possible that which really matters - interaction between people and mutual points of contact. The most striking fact about the visit to Wales is the similar challenges that confront both churches in their respective countries.
Same Sense of Humour
From the Diocese in Uppsala a delegation works together consisting of bishop, diocesan workers and management, together with representatives from the diocesan committee and Chapter.
"We have many cultural similarities which help us understand, learn from and support each other. And we share the same sense of humour," says Gunnar Sjöberg smiling, he is the head of the Parish Development Unit in Uppsala.
The Challenge Facing Churches
There are many churches and chapels in Wales, some of which go back to Roman times. A problem facing both countries is the heating and maintenance of old, historically important church buildings.
"I think we have a lot to learn about how church space is used in Wales. You combine the historical aspect with modern needs," comments Lovisa Möller, assistant to the Bishop of Uppsala. "Something which has become clear during the visit is the combination of old and new where children's drawings meet weathered Celtic crosses."
"We think much about how we can use our church buildings," says Peter Atkins. "We like to consider the needs of the community. For example, in a church we can have an altar, a café and a reception for the homeless. It can sometimes happen that the community lacks meeting places, sometimes they need somewhere to live. Where possible we try to meet these needs."
Warmth and Willingness
In Sunday's sermon Archbishop K G Hammar talked about Jesus' question to Peter: "Do you love me?" Those who make a real display of both warmth and friendship are the Welsh. Their arms are open to both Swedish visitors and their church alike.
"The income of many parishes is built upon tax rebates and grants applied for by the parish. But much of it also depends on donations and collections, which parish workers start up," explains Bill Thomas, Archdeacon of Llandaff.
"It is wonderful to see volunteer involvement in the church," says Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund, Dean of Uppsala Diocese.
A Good Start
Some of those involved have even opened their homes and the personal involvement and enthusiasm has touched the visitors from Sweden.
"It is remarkable how you involve volunteers and allow the expression of their faith through, among other things, the Alpha groups you have in your church. The feeling is that you allow space for the concept of "my faith is mine", continues Lovisa Möller.
The visit to Wales can be summarised like this: Someone explains how something works in the Church of Wales, to which the answer comes with raised eyebrows - "That's exactly how we do it!" or "Ah, so that's how you figured it?" All the common questions and ideas together with warm meetings between people lend hope to the coming years of co-operation. The visit to Wales has been a start. And a good one!
Facts
1. The interdiocesan exchange will be for a period of 3 years. Archbishop K G Hammar, Bishop Ragnar Persenius and Archbishop Barry C Morgan, who is also bishop for the Diocese of Llandaff, signed the agreement on 19 March 2006 in Llandaff Cathedral.
2. Wales is largely rural and has 3 cities, of which Cardiff is the largest with 175,000 inhabitants. The other two cities are Swansea and Newport.
3. Golf, horse-riding and rugby are popular outdoor pursuits.
4. The daffodil is the national flower and the harp is the national musical instrument.
5. The most common animal in Wales is the sheep, and in Wales sheep outnumber humans!
6. The Church in Wales consists of 6 Dioceses, of which Llandaff is the most populous with one million inhabitants.
Article by My Södergren from the Diocese of Uppsala website
Translation by Lesley Wells
If you have a particular link with Sweden, or would like to join the world mission team in our planning, please contact Revd. John Webber 01446 792324
For more information on Porvoo, visit www.porvoochurches.org/index
For more information on the Swedish church, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Sweden
Or http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/sprakversioner_en.asp