While the dispute over priests’ right to refuse to officiate at same-sex weddings continues, the Church of Sweden is embarking on a multi-year theological process concerning polyamory and other issues within the LGBTQIA+ field. The report also opens the door to a reconsideration of the church’s views on relationships and norms, and advocates speaking of God as “queer.”
For several years, the Social Democrats have been pushing for all priests in the Church of Sweden to be forced to officiate at same-sex weddings, even if doing so goes against their theological convictions. But while the S is gaining increasingly strong support for excluding priests who hold a traditional view of marriage, a new report suggests that Swedes can look forward to demands for further liberalization.
In 2024, the Church Assembly decided to instruct the Church Board to continue the theological work on LGBTQIA+ issues. The decision followed a motion calling on the Church of Sweden to express its support for polyamory as well, that is, romantic relationships involving more than two partners.
The natural next step after polyamory is polygamy, or plural marriage, a phenomenon that is common within Islam but is not an accepted marital practice within the major Christian churches.
“The beginning of a process”
The assignment has now resulted in a knowledge review intended to “make visible the Church of Sweden’s theological positions and activities in this area, as well as identify theological challenges and development needs.”
– This is not a report that is meant to provide all the answers. Rather, it is a starting point for a larger undertaking, says Sara Björk thematic officer for inclusion and participation at the Church Office.
She describes the report as “the beginning of a process.”
– The hope is that it will provide common ground as the Church of Sweden continues to discuss and reflect on these issues. This is the beginning of a process, not the end.
The report, entitled Kunskapssammanställning HBTQIA+ och polyamori (Knowledge Review: LGBTQIA+ and Polyamory), argues that the Church of Sweden’s view of sexuality has evolved from what it calls “a normative sexual ethic” (based on heterosexuality and relationships between two people) to what it describes as “a more explicitly inclusive approach, in which church documents and decisions increasingly emphasize human dignity, non-discrimination and pastoral care.”
At the same time, it notes that the Church of Sweden currently lacks a developed theological position on polyamorous relationships, which the authors argue raises questions about the church’s views on relationships and cohabitation.
“A recurring theme in the Church of Sweden’s documentation is that certain experiences have long been rendered invisible, and that efforts toward inclusion must therefore also involve making them visible. The church’s own historical account emphasizes that the early discussions dealt ‘primarily’ with homosexuality and the relationships of homosexual people. This means that other aspects covered by today’s LGBTQIA+ umbrella term, such as trans, intersex, asexuality, and experiences related to bisexuality and pansexuality, have been less explicitly addressed as theological focal points during earlier stages of the inclusion process.”
The review points out that issues such as fidelity, responsibility, care, consent and reciprocity therefore need to be further analyzed from a non-normative perspective, and that national frameworks are needed for “how different experiences are to be recognized liturgically.”
The report therefore argues that the Church of Sweden must decide which values should serve as guiding principles, and which beliefs can be considered shaped by “historical and societal norms” and therefore rejected.
A queer God
One such normative notion that the report argues can be rejected is the language used to speak about God, for example when God is described as Father, Lord and King. Instead, it advocates speaking of God as “queer.”
“Speaking of a “queer God” therefore does not mean simply assigning God a human identity or placing God in a particular category. Rather, it is about emphasizing that God transcends human boundaries. God cannot be confined by notions of male and female, heterosexual and homosexual, normal and deviant. In this sense, the word queer becomes a theological tool for describing God’s boundary-crossing and norm-critical character. God cannot be captured by the systems that people often construct to create clarity, control and hierarchy.”
The knowledge review is the first step in a process that will continue over several years. During 2026, issues requiring further theological reflection are to be identified. In 2027, more in-depth work and materials for discussion and learning throughout the Church of Sweden are planned.
A final report to support future choices and possible decisions is expected in 2028.
Facts: Polyamory and polygamy – what is the difference?
Polyamory means that a person has or may have several romantic relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. It concerns relationships and does not necessarily involve marriage. The term has become more visible in modern Western societies, but research into how common it is remains limited.
Polygamy means that a person is married to several people at the same time. The most common form is polygyny, in which a man has several wives. Polyandry, in which a woman has several husbands, also occurs but is considerably less common.
In which cultures does polygamy occur?
Muslim societies: Islamic law traditionally permits a man to have up to four wives under certain conditions. Legislation varies between countries, and even where polygamy is permitted, it is often uncommon in practice.
West and Central Africa: Polygamous marriages occur in several societies and may be based on both religious and traditional customs. In some countries, they occur among people of different religious affiliations.
Certain religious minorities: Polygamy historically occurred within the early Mormon movement in the United States during the 19th century. It still occurs within certain breakaway groups.
