”Kyrkan förvaltar, äger 460 000 hektar av skapelsen”

• Main Authors: Laila Jannok Björnström, Julia Kuhlin
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Danish; English; Norwegian; Swedish
• Published: Svensk Teologisk Kvartalskrift 2025
• Subjects: Religion (General); BL1-50; Practical Theology; BV1-5099; Sámi
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/5f02c7ca061b4af6961524b7993d966e

The purpose of this article is to explore Sámi perspectives on the reconciliation process between the Sámi people and the Church of Sweden. The study is based on a qualitative content analysis of the recitals during the Ságastallamat 2 conference in October 2022 and draws, theoretically, on Ernesto Verdeja's model for reconciliation in postcolonial societies. Reconciliation, according to this model, includes critical reflection, symbolic and material recognition, as well as political participation. The analysis shows that the Sámi representatives expressed that all elements were needed for reconciliation to be reached. It is also emphasized that for the reconciliation process to move forward, the Church of Sweden needs to further address the question of land as well as Sámi self-determination. The Church of Sweden was, among other things, urged to decolonize within by returning land to the Sámi people and to use Sámi knowledge to manage the creation.