A growing trend among young Christians in Sweden is raising concerns among female pastors, as more youth question whether women should hold leadership positions in congregations. According to reports from Dagen and Nerikes Allehanda, this issue was recently discussed at the Bible Festival in Örebro, where panels addressed the topic of female leadership in churches.
The trend reportedly involves young Christians who believe the Bible teaches that only men should lead congregations. Three female pastors - Gabriella Gillstedt, Olivia Liebgott, and Tilda Enell - have expressed reactions of sorrow, astonishment, and some understanding to this development. One pastor reportedly stated, "It would be sad if we now took a step backward."
It would be sad if we now took a step backward.
While the question of women's leadership in churches had long been considered settled in Swedish religious communities, sources indicate that some young people are revisiting traditional interpretations of biblical teachings on gender roles. The trend coincides with reports of increasing numbers of young people joining churches, including rising confirmation rates among teenagers.
The discussion highlights ongoing theological debates within Swedish evangelical and Pentecostal movements about gender equality and biblical interpretation in modern religious practice.