Church Politician Resigns After 'Uppdrag granskning' Revelation

Hans von Schreeb resigns as chairman of the church council following a report by 'Uppdrag granskning' on church politicians' property deals in S:t Johannes parish, Stockholm. He feels Bishop Andreas Holmberg has thrown him under the bus in the program.

"I cannot work with him," says von Schreeb. However, the bishop responds, "It's good that he steps aside," says Holmberg.

The latest episode of 'Uppdrag granskning' on SVT discusses various property deals made by church politicians in S:t Johannes parish, Stockholm.

Among other things, a rental building was sold for 58 million kronor in 2009 to finance the maintenance of church buildings. However, much of the money, 40 million kronor, instead went to a parish hall under the church steps of S:t Johannes Church. Now, the church, including the lavish parish hall, has been sold to the Catholic Church for five million kronor.

Gunilla Svensson Pilefors, a member of the church council for the nomination group For S:t Johannes Parish's Best, voted yes to the sale of the rental building in 2009 while living in the building.

Shortly after, she bought her 142 square meter apartment for 3.9 million kronor, which according to 'Uppdrag granskning' was far below market price.

Chairman Resigns

Hans von Schreeb was a member of the same nomination group and also voted for the sale. He did not live in the building when the decision was made, but a few years later, he bought a 344 square meter penthouse in the building.

von Schreeb later became chairman of the church council. But now he announces his resignation.

He feels unfairly singled out and does not believe the deal benefited him improperly.

"In 2009, the property we now live in was sold by the parish to a housing association. It is correct that I was with the church council then and made the decision. In 2011, I was contacted by a broker and in May 2012, I had the opportunity to buy the home we live in today. It was more than the market price, 100,000 kronor per square meter," says Hans von Schreeb.

Disappointed with the Bishop

Hans's description of the events does not differ in substance from what 'Uppdrag granskning' presented. However, he states that he has been subjected to threats after the publication and that someone has placed feces outside his home.

Stockholm diocese's Bishop Andreas Holmberg participates in 'Uppdrag granskning' and speaks critically about some of the politicians' decisions. This has led to Hans von Schreeb now lacking confidence in the bishop.

"It's a bit surprising that a bishop sits in 'Uppdrag granskning' and accepts their information. He should have called and checked with me. That makes it impossible for me to work with him," says von Schreeb.

Bishop: Compromising

Bishop Andreas Holmberg welcomes Hans von Schreeb's resignation.

"I expected that both he and the two other elected representatives featured in 'Uppdrag granskning' would offer their positions. The trust in them is completely gone from my side, and certainly from the parishioners' side."

Do you think it's obvious that von Schreeb benefited himself with the sale of the rental building?

"I have no reason to question the information that 'Uppdrag granskning' has published in its episode. They have done extensive research, and it is very compromising for him, among other things."