Churches can be filled to the limit

The government and the Public Health Authority have decided that meetings with more than 50 participants are prohibited from Sunday. The restriction is an attempt to reduce the spread of the corona virus.

In a post on Facebook, Archbishop Antje Jackelén announces the Bishop's College's attitude, which applies to the large church gatherings during Easter, during Sunday worship, and to church weddings and funerals: rather than cancel though. Parishes should follow the restrictions of 50 people.

Daniel Bramsell, at the Church of Sweden's communications department, explains that it means that you sit sparsely in the rows and that you do not drink directly from the lime at the communion.

- You let in 49 people, then you close the door, says Daniel Bramsell.

The Bishop's College recommendations are not mandatory for the individual parishes. Daniel Bramsell says several congregations are looking at digital solutions to reach as many people as possible.

"The bishops consider it important that there is a worship service," says Daniel Bramsell.

Is it pushing the boundary to admit 49 participants to religious services?

- We adapt it to what the authorities say and stay within the limits of what has been said, says Daniel Bramsell.

Johan Carlson, Director General of the Public Health Authority, believes that the normative effect of the restrictions that have been set up so far has been good.

"The limit of 50 will be normative for what is not affected by the Ordinance Act, ie more private events," he said at a press conference on Friday.

- We will gradually go through the different types of gatherings that exist. We talk about child baptism, funerals, anniversaries and how to travel in public transport, for example.

SVT has asked the Public Health Authority how they view the church's approach. The authorities' press department announces that it will not be possible to answer the questions this weekend.