The Church of Sweden's highest decision-making body, the Kyrkomötet, has adopted new guidelines for forest management emphasizing spiritual, ecological, social, and economic sustainability. The decision shifts from maximum returns but lacks concrete national targets, drawing criticism from Sami representatives and environmental groups. The Church pledges greater Sami influence in matters affecting reindeer herding.
The Church of Sweden, one of Sweden's largest forest owners and fifth overall, has faced long-standing criticism for clear-cutting practices that impact biodiversity, climate, and reindeer herding. Environmental groups, Sami people, and internal critics have questioned these methods, invoking biblical values such as Jesus' view of nature.
In 2021, an investigation led by Göran Enander, former director-general of the Swedish Forest Agency, proposed setting aside 20 percent of forests for biodiversity and transitioning one-third to more sustainable methods. Opponents commissioned a new investigation, and on November 18, 2025, the Kyrkomötet decided that forest management should target four sustainability goals: spiritual, ecological, social, and economic.
The decision follows the church board's proposal, rejecting the original investigation. It lacks concrete national targets, causing disappointment. Bishop Andreas Holmberg of the Stockholm diocese states: “But this direction has not been followed, I and many others think, by any concrete goals. There were such proposals, but not in the church board's document. So I'm both glad and disappointed, one could say.”
Sami representatives criticize the wording on free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), now applying to 'direct and significant impact' on reindeer herding—a judgment left to dioceses. Jenny Wik-Karlsson of the Swedish Sami National Association calls it a weakening: “Many are disappointed now. They talk about reconciliation with the Sami—but that also means listening to what Sami representatives demand.”
Karin Öhman, professor at SLU, welcomes the direction but calls for clearer goals to implement it practically. Wanja Lundby-Wedin (S), vice chair of the church board, explains: “We are moving from the best possible return to these four areas.” She stresses dioceses have varying conditions but promises monitoring and dialogue with Sami to strengthen FPIC. WWF criticizes local influence, warning of slow changes.
The Church is also incorporating respect for indigenous rights into its constitution as part of reconciliation with the Sami.