The question of whether church visits should be free or not, is debated in the latest issue of the Church's Journal.

Although Lund Cathedral is estimated to receive as many as about 700,000 visits per year, of which 90,000 are religious services, it is not wanted to pay for tourists visiting the church.

Still free for individuals

- We do not want there to be an entrance fee for individual visitors to the cathedral, and this is something we want to hold on to, says Lena Sjöstrand, cathedral chaplain and labor leader in Lund Cathedral, to SVT News Skåne.

Lena Sjöstrand emphasizes the importance of the cathedral in Lund being accessible to everyone.

- With all due respect if other churches arrive at something else. The question of entry fee is important, but right now we are reaching different conclusions, she says.

A folk church for everyone

Swedish Church's Church Secretary Cristina Grenholm also wants to emphasize the importance of the church's openness:

- It's God's house. All are welcome. That is our basic attitude. It is important that you do not have to think about whether you go in to light a candle or are there as a tourist. It belongs to the folk church to be available, she tells SVT.

What do you think about the entry of certain churches?

- Decisions are made locally based on different conditions. In general, it is unfortunate to be paid in the light of the principle of transparency. They have probably thought through this, but there is no development that the Swedish Church wants to encourage, says Cristina Grenholm, church secretary at the Church Offices in Uppsala.

Some groups have to pay

However, groups with their own guide who want to visit Lund's cathedral may pay SEK 600 per visit. A visit with a guide booked through the church costs SEK 1100 with possible supplement for interpreter or extra cleaning. Groups from schools, preschools and Lund University, however, enter for free.

Will you do anything to keep it free for individual visitors to Lund Cathedral?

- Yes we do. Now our desire is not to pay for individual visitors. If in the future we would end up in another economic situation, we may discuss it then, says Lena Sjöstrand, the cathedral chaplain, Lund Cathedral.