Reflections from Sweden

Day 2

The second gathering of LWF Women Bishops and Presidents (the first was held in Geneva in 2005),were invited to begin their meeting in the home of the Bishop of Lund, a female clergy, newly retired and awaiting the arrival of the next Bishop of Lund, also a woman. It was significant that the church in convention had chosen a woman again, but had chosen because she was the right person for the job. It was into this unique situation that we were welcomed as LWF leaders.

The second thing that made this a very unique gathering was the room in which we met.  Framed on three walls were portraits of all the previous bishops of Lund, a long line of male bishops going back to the early roots of Lutheranism in Sweden. On the centre of one wall is a painting of a group of bishops in council, with one open chair at the forefront of the photo.

As we reflected on the question “What gives us energy and power in our lives and in our churches?, a couple of the reflections from the group centred on the portraits of the male bishops. It was an awesome feeling, sitting in a room full of women bishops and presidents, knowing that women too have that authority and power to lead, that it was almost a strike at those male bishops.

But the most powerful statement came from our own ELCIC bishop, Cindy Halmarson. She stated that her energy and power came from knowing that she was in a long line of bishops and that being a woman bishop wasn’t starting something knew. She was part of a continuum of bishops over a long period of time in the church that gave service to the church and helped the church grow through many periods in time, and through many struggles and changes.

The room the Women Bishops and Presidents were in at the Diocese of Lund offices

I liked the idea of being one of many in a long line, as far back as the Reformation. The history and the lineage was very evident in that room. It gave a sense of purpose and authority to the role of the bishop as more than oversight. It gave a sense that we are greater than ourselves and that the church throughout history has provided leadership through many generations and we are part of that continuum.

The photo was also significant in that the chair at the forefront of the
portrait was open for another to take, that a new member was
welcome at the table. It was a beautiful symbol of openness to
new leadership and for some around the table it meant a welcoming
of women to the table.

Today’s gathering reminded me that I am one of many in
a history rich with episcopal leadership. Thank you to the
church for giving me a new insight into my “family” history.