According to Leif Hognert, chairman of the church council for the Swedish Church in Umeå, the basic reason is that the business's income does not cover its costs. The Swedish church in Umeå has an annual cost increase and a gap of SEK 10-15 million in the budget. According to Hognert, the large costs are staff and operations.
- Our biggest source of income has been the church fee, but since fewer people today are members of the Swedish church, it has declined. In the past, it has been balanced in Umeå by moving in Umeå residents to be members but now it no longer does that right, says Hognert.
"Applies to almost all types of services"The church council now proposes to stop the plans for an assembly yard at Umeå city church and a new church on the site. In addition, the Västerslättskyrkan, the Böleäng church and the church's house in Yttersjö can be sold and 14 full-time services disappear.
- This applies to almost all types of services. Partly in administration, but also ward educators, deacons, leisure leaders, caretakers and music educators. It's a broad group, Hognert says.
Instead, they now want to invest and increase the number of confirmation camps. All child and youth activities will continue to be free for participants.
- It is an additional cost, but we believe that the confirmation where young people get more knowledge of Christian faith. It is an important part as a recruitment base and that is why we invest in it, ”says Hognert.