Sami theme when the General Synod opens today

Today’s service in the cathedral will be on a Sami theme.  Photo: Magnus Aronson/IKON

When this year’s General Synod gets under way in Uppsala today, the diocese of Härnösand will lead the opening service in the cathedral on a Sami theme. Bishop Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund, former dean in Uppsala, will give the sermon.

The service will start and finish with yoik – Sami chanting – and the sound of reindeer bells. The Gospel and blessing will be read in the South Sami language and the high altar in the cathedral will be decorated in Sami colours and with reindeer hide and reindeer horn.
“It’s important for us to show what is unique in our diocese; we have an indigenous population in the diocese and therefore also activities in Sami languages,” says Bishop Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund, who will refer to the Sami theme in her sermon.
“I think that Sami theology can make important contributions to theological thinking,” she says. “I think that the isolation and feeling of being outsiders experienced by Sami in the past, and perhaps also still today, can play a useful part in work for a true church of unity that aims to promote diversity.”

H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria will also attend the General Synod’s opening service in the cathedral.

Contact: Kajsa Åslin, press secretary, diocese of Härnösand +46 70 3550017.

The General Synod is the Church of Sweden’s highest decision-making body and has 251 members from all over Sweden.

The General Synod meets once a year and the meeting is divided up into two sessions. The members of the General Synod are chosen by the members of the Church of Sweden in the Church elections every four years.

During this year’s meeting, a total of 98 motions and 7 written proposals will be deliberated in various committees.