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Name of National Alliance: Svenska Evangeliska Alliansen (SEA) - Swedish Evangelical Alliance
Principal leader(s) of the Alliance:
Stefan Gustavsson, general secretary
Mats Tunehag, chairman of the board
Address:
Rehnsgatan 20, S-113 57 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.sea.nu
Phone #: + 46 8 30 07 80
National Alliance Profile:
The Christian faith has a long history of over one thousand years in Sweden, with the Lutheran church as the state church for the last four centuries. But entering a new millennium Sweden is considered one of the most secularized countries in the world and most of the churches – with some inspiring exceptions - are struggling with decreasing membership: not keeping the young generation growing up within the church and not winning people living outside the church. The temptation for many within the church is to become disillusioned and lose heart. Secular media, politicians and different lobby organizations are fighting to change our society in an even more secular direction and in different ways to silence the Christian church.
SEA, the Swedish Evangelical Alliance in Sweden has roots back to 1846, but in its present form it is a young organization that started 2001. A number of churches, organizations and individuals have joined SEA and today we represent 150 000 evangelical Christians.
We are focusing our work on what we think are five key areas in our context. These areas are:
• Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion
• The Uniqueness of Christ and the Reliability of the Bible
• Marriage and a Christian view of the Family
• The Challenge from the Secular Humanists
• The Return of the Gospel to Sweden
What is God doing in your country? Where and how do you see Him at work?
Several areas stands out. First, the difficult situation described above have drawn Christians together in prayer and work. We see a new longing for unity and a fresh attitude of generosity amongst Christians. Second, there is a much needed honesty in describing the situation and telling the truth – instead of glossing it over with pious words. Recognition of the situation is the first step towards real change. Third, specific churches are seeing growth in membership and secular people coming to faith, especially through Alpha groups. These churches are great sources of inspiration. Fourth, there is a wave of church planting from the traditional churches, especially in growing cities, which is very hopeful..
How is God using your National Alliance to further his work in your country?
SEA has been:
- an important tool in bringing Christians together
- a resource for strengthening Christians in their convictions and their vision
- an encouragement to broaden the understanding of the gospel beyond the personal and see its relevance for the public dialogue
- a public voice for evangelicals in questions related to freedom of speech, the historical Jesus, marriage law, abortion, etc.
What are your primary challenges and threats?
Around 5 % of the population goes to a Christian church on a normal Sunday, and that figure is since many years decreasing – not least because of the average age of those coming. And less than half of Swedish church goers would recognize themselves as evangelicals. Simultaneously there is a loud secular lobby trying to embarrass the Christian by claiming that faith in God lacks is contradicted by science and reason Natural, with this background, many Christians feel vulnerable, lacking vision and convictions. Of course this decline is also affecting the financial situation for churches and Christian organizations.
What are your biggest opportunities?
A new search for unity amongst believers; we have a very good ecumenical climate and positive relationships are developing between Christians belonging to different traditions. A new honesty about the difficulties we are facing, which draws people together and shows how dependent we are on God. More Christians discovers the importance of apologetics - a reasoned explanation and defense of the Christian faith – in order for us to be heard in the public dialogue.
Current prayer requests:
Pray for
- revival in Sweden
- courage for individual Christians and for local churches to break free from cultural and social isolation
- growth for the many new churches that are planted
- wisdom for SEA in its calling, both in relationship to churches and the surrounding culture
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