🇸🇪 Swedish churches flourish despite rise in secularism
What makes these Christian communities so fruitful?
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Sweden, a traditionally Christian country, has experienced a rise in secularism in recent years — as have many countries in the world. However, Christianity is still alive and thriving in the country. Unlike America’s Bible Belt, Paul Glader reports that in Sweden, active faith communities are spread out in smaller pockets across the country: what he calls the country’s “Bible Buttons.”
Both the Church of Sweden, connected to the Lutheran denomination, and “free churches” (mostly evangelical and charismatic) are hoping to increase attendance, bring in young people and serve their communities. In many ways, they’ve been successful. In today’s top story, Paul Glader reports on what’s made these churches thrive and suggests American churches may have something to learn from them as well.
Churches Flourish In One of Sweden’s Bible Button Cities By Caring For Neighbors
Some free churches in Sweden may be showing the way toward growth: Engagement with young families, engagement with seniors, engagement with neighbors and the world. The Church of Sweden hasn’t completely given up on this kind of engagement either. by Paul Glader
‘While We Watched’ Exposes Indian Media’s Complicity Through Complacency
(REVIEW) “While We Watched” is a 94-minute tell-all documentary that shines a light on the sorry state of Indian media through the lens of a veteran independent journalist, Ravish Kumar, who now runs a YouTube channel with 6.73 million subscribers. by Manmeet Sahni
First Cohort of Medical Doctors Trained by Uganda’s Anglican Church In 140 Years Graduates
The first cohort of 44 medical doctors trained by the Anglican Church of Uganda in its history spanning over 140 years has graduated, marking a milestone in the church’s history of training medical experts in the country. The doctors trained by Uganda Christian University graduated earlier this summer during a colorful ceremony. by John Semakula
Interview with Author Kaitlyn Schiess of ‘The Ballot and The Bible’
Religion Unplugged contributor Kenneth Ethan Frantz interviewed Schiess about her new book, the role the Bible played in the past and present in American politics, and what it all means ahead of the 2024 presidential election. by Kenneth E. Frantz
Kenya’s Oldest Anglican Cathedral Gets New Provost
The Rev. Evans Omollo has been installed as the provost of Kenya’s oldest Anglican house of worship. As the new head of All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi, the 45 year old takes over from the Rev. Sammy Wainaina, who is moving to the global Anglican Church headquarters in the United Kingdom as an advisor. by Tom Osanjo
Why Some Clergy Are Warning Christians Against DNA Tests
The recent murder of a Ugandan woman highlights the threat DNA test results are posing on families as more men who seek paternity tests continue discover that they are not the presumed biological fathers of their children. by John Semakula
Experience the Life of Jesus with ‘The Nazarene’ Exhibit: Authentic or Hoax?
While the 2,000-year-old ossuary is seemingly genuine, the underlying issue is whether its Paleo-Hebrew inscription is the real deal or a clever fake replete with ersatz patina that was planted to fool experts. by Gil Zohar
🔥 Prayers For Maui: Houses Of Worship Burned; People Of Faith Organize Help 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights the devastating Maui wildfires. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
At ReligionUnplugged, we cover the role of religion in public life and in peoples' lives. If you appreciate our journalism, become a sustaining monthly donor by clicking the button below.