From Cross to Crown: The Sweden Democrats’ Instrumentalization of the Church of Sweden in Their Political Pursuit

Abstract

This thesis examines the intersection of populism, nationalism, and religion in Sweden, with a focus on the Sweden Democrats’ (SD) strategic use of Christian symbolism and the Church of Sweden’s responses. Grounded in theoretical frameworks of political theology, cultural nationalism, and discourse analysis, the study explores how the SD has appropriated Christian rhetoric to frame immigration and multiculturalism as threats to Sweden’s Christian heritage. By leveraging cultural Christianity, the SD constructs an exclusionary narrative of national identity, positioning itself as the defender of Swedish values against perceived external threats, particularly from Muslim immigrants. This strategy aligns with Rogers Brubaker’s concept of “civilizationism,” where religion serves as a cultural resource to delineate boundaries between “us” and “them.” In contrast, the Church of Sweden has actively resisted the SD’s co-optation of Christian symbols, emphasizing the theological principles of universal love, justice, and inclusion. Through public statements, campaigns, and practical initiatives, the Church seeks to reclaim the spiritual significance of Christianity and counter the SD’s exclusionary rhetoric. The Church’s advocacy for refugees and marginalized groups, particularly during the 2015 refugee crisis, underscores its commitment to embodying Christian teachings in practice. Using a qualitative research design, this study employs textual analysis of the SD party manifestos, speeches, and Church of Sweden statements, alongside case studies of key events such as the 2018 election campaign and the refugee crisis. The findings highlight the broader societal implications of this dynamic, including increased polarization and the challenges of navigating religion and politics in a secular society. The study concludes by emphasizing the adaptability of religious symbols in shaping collective identities and the potential for religious institutions to resist the politicization of faith, promoting messages of unity and justice in the face of exclusionary populism.