The Church of Sweden election has produced a clear winner: the Social Democrats (Arbetarepartiet – Socialdemokraterna) are set to remain the largest nominating group in the Church Assembly (Kyrkomötet), securing 72 of 251 seats as preliminary results show. Turnout stands at 17.8%, and a new 2% threshold has reshaped the chamber by excluding smaller groups.
What the church election is and who votes
Members of the Church of Sweden aged 16 and above vote every four years to choose representatives at three levels: parish/ pastorate, diocese, and the national Church Assembly (Kyrkomötet). Voters select among nominating groups—some linked to political parties, others strictly church-based—rather than conventional state parties. In total, more than 14,000 seats are filled across these levels.
Numbers at a glance: seats, turnout and the new threshold
Preliminary national distribution of seats in the Kyrkomötet:
- Social Democrats (S): 72
- Partipolitiskt obundna i Svenska kyrkan (POSK): 45
- Centerpartiet (C): 23
- Borgerlig kristen samverkan (BKS): 21
- De Gröna i Svenska kyrkan (DGSK): 18
- Öppen kyrka – en kyrka för alla (ÖKA): 16
- Sverigedemokrater i Svenska kyrkan (SDSK): 16
- Vänstern i Svenska kyrkan (ViSK): 15
- Frimodig kyrka (FK): 9
- Fria liberaler i Svenska kyrkan (FiSK): 8
- Himmel och Jord (HoJ): 6
- Alternativ för Sverige (AfS): 0 (votes below the 2% threshold)
Turnout reached 17.8%, slightly lower than in 2021. The 2% national threshold—applied for the first time in 2025—prevented AfS from retaining seats despite a modest rise in its vote share.
Swedish church vote: why it matters in a secular country
Although Sweden is highly secular, the Church of Sweden remains the country’s largest faith community and a key civic actor. Since the state–church separation in 2000, the Church operates as an independent religious community while keeping a nationwide presence. Decisions taken by the Kyrkomötet shape church law (kyrkoordningen), worship resources, social and youth work, and stewardship of significant assets, including property and forests.
The Church also runs diaconal and humanitarian activities in Sweden and abroad through Act Church of Sweden. These choices influence debates on climate policy, heritage management, and inclusion, often intersecting with wider Nordic and EU discussions.
What happens next
The final count will confirm seat totals before the Kyrkomötet convenes in Uppsala this autumn. With Social Democrats as the largest group and POSK firmly second, negotiations will define committee leaderships and priorities for the 2025–2029 term—especially on governance, sustainability, and how church resources support local communities.
