Att vara kyrka och ta ställning: En jämförelse mellan Svenska kyrkans biskopsbrev om diakoni och klimatet och Fratelli tutti

Sammanfattning

The aim of this study is to examine how the Church of Sweden’s bishops' letters on climate and deaconry, as well as Pope Francis encyclical Fratelli tutti, articulate the church’s social and political responsibility in contemporary society. Through a qualitative content analysis, the study examines how the documents address themes of creation and climate responsibility, economic justice, and social vulnerability. These thematic readings are then subsequently interpreted through two theological frameworks, using a linguistic analysis. The inclusive folk-church tradition, represented by Einar Billing and Gustaf Wingren, and political theology, represented by Dorothee Sölle. The analysis reveals that the bishops’ letters predominantly use an inclusive language that appeals to the broad voice of society, which reflects the folk-church ambition of representing the majority of the population in Sweden. While there is structural critique of economic inequality and environmental degradation, they are described in terms of shared responsibility and pastoral concern. There is often an ambition of working together with the state or with independent organisations. Fratelli tutti, to compare, has a more critical and confrontational language, and engages more directly against liberal capitalism, nationalism and failing political structures. There is also in Fratelli tutti, a larger emphasis on the universal human equality and fraternity in the christian tradition, and the importance of exceeding physical or social boundaries. The comparative analysis shows that in both church traditions, there is an affirmation of the church’s public role and responsibility in society, but it differs in theological differences and willingness to engage confrontationally with society. The Church of Sweden has an emphasis on participation, openness, and societal cohesion. The Roman Catholic Church in the voice of Pope Francis has an emphasis on theological critique, transformation, universal fraternity, and justice. In conclusion, this study conveys the tension in being an inclusive church body, while simultaneously conveying an authentic Christian voice in society today.