After decades of decline, the number of confirmands in Sweden is now increasing – and many young people say they feel a need to get closer to God.
– It’s no longer uncool to be interested in the Christian faith or to call yourself a Christian, says parish educator Sara Björnö.
After falling from 80 percent in the 1970s to below 20 percent during the coronavirus crisis, the number of confirmation candidates has now recovered to pre-2020 levels. This has led the media to speculate that it is a lasting “Jesus trend”. However, Associate Professor Frida Mannerfelt in practical theology believes it is too early to draw any firm conclusions:
– We should be cautious about calling the increase a trend reversal, she says.
Confirmation has changed from a self-evident tradition to an active choice for a minority, driven by secularization and the fact that Christianity no longer has a special status in Sweden, as well as the immigration of non-Christian groups.
At the same time, many young people say that it is precisely their encounter with other religions that has made them curious about religion and led to a desire to find a religious affiliation for themselves.
“Making an active choice”
Today’s confirmands are no longer attracted by gifts, but by a desire to explore life issues such as death, identity, and community. Statistics also show that more people are being baptized during the confirmation period – from 1 percent in 2007 to 10 percent in 2022 – which indicates a growing interest in Christianity.
– Being able to discuss questions such as ‘How should I deal with the fact that I’m not perfect?’ is necessary in a society where pressure is put on young people from various quarters – such as social media and the current grading system – to be perfect, says Mannerfelt.
– Those who choose to be confirmed today are, to a greater extent, making an active choice to do so, continues the lecturer.
Sara Björnö is a parish educator in the Almby parish in Örebro, and she clearly sees that more young people today are curious about Jesus and Christianity.
– Quite a few say they are interested in God and Jesus. Several have written that they want to get closer to God and that they have found faith after confirmation.
Attracted by soccer camps and ski trips
She has noticed a noticeable change in how young Swedes view religion.
– It’s no longer uncool to be interested in the Christian faith or to call yourself a Christian, she says.
At the same time, the Church of Sweden has also been criticized both externally and internally for being “vague” and unserious in its recruitment efforts – for example, by attracting confirmation candidates with secular activities such as soccer camps, ski trips, and visits to amusement parks.
– There is a discussion within the Church of Sweden about whether the pursuit of relevance risks appearing frivolous, but the prevailing view is that there are several ways to achieve this, concludes Frida Mannerfelt.
The Swedish Church has also been criticized by conservatives for being perceived in many places today as highly politicized, with a strong focus on modern left-wing activism rather than on faith in God and traditional Christian values.