The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden’s St. John’s Parish and the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm have recently agreed that St. John’s Parish will transfer St. John’s Church to the Catholic Church.
St. John’s Church, with its iconic tower, is a beloved landmark atop Brunkebergsåsen in Stockholm. Designed by architect Carl Möller, the church was consecrated in 1890. With its cathedral-like Gothic interior, the church offers a stunning space that accommodates 900 people.
For a long time, St. John’s Church has been pastorally surplus to the needs of St. John’s Parish, as the parish’s other church, St. Stephen’s Church in Vanadislunden, has become the main parish church.
In recent years, however, St. John’s Church has already served as the home of the Polish Catholic Mission in Stockholm. Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the church has also become a place where the Ukrainian Catholic Mission holds services and where Ukrainian refugees have found comfort. This has fostered a spirit of cooperation and dialogue between St. John’s Parish and the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm. The discussions leading to the current agreement have taken place in an atmosphere of mutual trust and ecumenical goodwill.
Before the sale, St. John’s Parish made it clear that they wished for the church to continue being used as an active Christian place of worship, a goal now fulfilled. Cardinal Anders Arborelius, OCD, the Catholic Bishop of Stockholm, commented on the matter:
“I am deeply grateful that we have been able to acquire this magnificent church and for the trust that the Church of Sweden has shown us through this agreement.”
St. John’s Church will become the fourth Catholic church in central Stockholm. The city already has St. Eric’s Cathedral at Medborgarplatsen, St. Eugenia’s Church near Kungsträdgården, and the Church of the Annunciation on Linnégatan.
The Catholic Diocese expects to take possession of the church and parish hall in late 2025. However, a precise date has not yet been set, as the transfer agreement requires certain governmental approvals. The cemetery and bell tower are not included in the sale.
The tower of St. John’s Church has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, and the Catholic Diocese plans to continue restoration work on other parts of the church.
katolskakyrkan.se / KATT