Ann Heberlein, a well-known theologian and social commentator, has been denied the opportunity to become a priest in the Swedish Church. Despite her academic credentials and previous acceptance as a priest candidate, Heberlein believes her critical stance on the church's politicization influenced the decision. The church's bishop declined to comment on the matter.
Ann Heberlein Denied Priesthood in Swedish Church: 'Cowardly'
Ann Heberlein Denied Priesthood in Swedish Church: 'Cowardly'
Theologian and commentator Ann Heberlein has been denied the opportunity to become a priest in the Swedish Church, reports the newspaper Dagen. According to Heberlein, she was told she is better suited as a debater than a priest.
"It would have been better to say that I am not wanted as a priest," Ann Heberlein told Dagen.
Ann Heberlein holds a doctorate in theology and has also worked as a researcher in practical philosophy. Alongside her academic career, she has made a name for herself as a fierce social commentator. She has written for several newspapers, including Expressen, and appeared on radio and TV.
According to Dagen, she was initially accepted as a priest candidate in 1996. However, she has been critical of what she perceives as the politicization of the Swedish Church, and in 2017, she left the church.
She rejoined when Antje Jackelén was succeeded by Martin Modéus as archbishop.
'Cowardly Approach'
Her previous acceptance as a priest candidate is no longer valid, so she attempted to be accepted again, but was not.
"It was a short call from the bishop, stating that I am better suited as a debater than a priest in the Swedish Church. I thought it was a cowardly way to express it; it would have been better to say that I am not wanted as a priest," Ann Heberlein told Dagen.
She believes the decision is due to her criticism of the church.
The bishop of the Lund diocese, Johan Tyrberg, declined to comment on the decision in Dagen.