Swedish Methodists join new denomination

During its ecumenical night on Tuesday, the 2012 General Conference released the Methodist church in Sweden to free that church to help start a new denomination there.

Last June three Swedish denominations – the Swedish Methodist Church, the Swedish Mission Church, and the Swedish Baptist Union – voted to unite together under the name Common Future. The new denomination has 70,000 members and 850 congregations.

A Methodist pastor is the sole nominee to lead the new denomination. The Rev. Lars Svensson was introduced to General Conference delegates and said he was “representing a new church in the world. Three founding denominations in Sweden have decided that this is best done by joining forces. I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thanks to The United Methodist Church,” said Svensson. “We are facing the future for the sake of God and mankind. Pray for us as we continue to pray for you. … The best of all is that God is with us.”

Bishop Christian Alsted of the Nordic and Baltic Central Conferences praised Methodists in Sweden as a leader in ecumenism, “a bridge-builder in ecumenical relationships.”

The Nordic Central Conference voted its support of the process, as did all 11 annual conferences in the Nordic Central Conference, Alsted said.

Bishop Sharon Rader introduced additional guests from other the World Methodist Council, the World and National Council of Churches, church leaders and those of other faiths. The Rev. John McCullough was honored as the 2012 recipient of ecumenical award from Council of Bishops (see related story).


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Faith Stories
Ophelia Hu Kinney. Photo courtesy of the author.

Affirmation at last: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey

The physician and justice advocate mobilized the pain of exclusion to blaze a trail for LGBTQ United Methodists.
General Church
Ben Smith. Photo courtesy of the author.

We need a new table where all are welcome

Young adult leader says United Methodist systems function to protect power, are resistant to change and preserve a table that was not built with everyone in mind.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Myung Sun Han. Photo courtesy of the author.

‘Not-so-obvious introvert’ on church’s new vision

Words such as “boldly,” “joyfully” and “courageously” are rooted in an extroverted ideal, but pastor offers another way to view the vision statement.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved