On 17 September 2026, the Board of the Christian Council of Sweden decided to suspend the membership of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Sweden.

The decision was taken in light of the security situation, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the relationship between the Russian state and the Moscow Patriarchate. According to the Christian Council of Sweden, these circumstances have effectively made cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Sweden impossible since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

At an extraordinary annual meeting of the Christian Council of Sweden in 2026, the membership criteria were clarified. In particular, every member church is required to uphold and respect the Council’s fundamental principles: human dignity, peace, democracy, non-discrimination, and respect for others. The Board was also granted additional mechanisms for addressing membership-related issues, including the possibility of suspending membership.

The suspension of membership means that the church officially loses the right to participate in the activities of the Christian Council of Sweden, receive funds distributed through the Council, and take part in its decision-making processes until the Board lifts the suspension.

The Board considers this decision necessary to ensure that the Christian Council of Sweden can continue to serve as an independent and principled voice of the churches, contribute to the security of its other member churches, and maintain confidence in its work.

Source: sveriges kristna råd