The Swedish church in Jönköping offers several different types of confirmation classes each year. Two of those that have been popular are the wilderness conference where you spend a lot of time outdoors and the so-called HV conference for young people who exercise and have many workouts during the weeks. In total, the two groups have attracted over 100 participants.

Upset feelings

But just over a month ago, the church decided to pull the emergency brake for this year's litter. For a long time, several incidents had become known. And when a whistleblower who was in the business told about something specific that the person saw and heard, it led to the church filing a police report of sexual assault against a minor girl.

- We know who's suspected. And so much I can say, it's not one of our priests, says Pär Sjöstrand.

The decision to stop the groups aroused upset feelings, not least in many parents. At a stormy meeting, those responsible tried to explain and defend their decision.

Resolve the storm

There were also other considerations behind the decision. During several confirmation camps, there must have been major damage to the courtyards you rented. In addition, the church pastor Ann Aldén has raised alarm that the way to replace leaders at the camps in recent years may be a violation of tax legislation. Now the issue will be examined by external auditors.

- The compensation will not be made in this way in the future. We must not do that, simply, says Pär Sjöstrand.

Now the church will try to ride out the storm and look ahead.

- We have stopped these groups in the hope that we will have time to build something new. What we do not know yet, says Pär Sjöstrand.