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422 VIII. THE MODERN PERIOD (A.D. 18121910).
(i) The question, What is the probable future of the
Swedish Church? suggests at the outset the probability of
some changes in its relation to the State. We in England
are familiar with such changes in detail, and I cannot
doubt that Sweden will also become more familiar with
them. The Church, indeed, might welcome legislation
which freed its clergy from official business, even though
they might lose some secular prominence and leadership
thereby. Many of the clergy, like Bishop Ullman of
Strengnas, whom I shall presently quote, resent this charge
upon their time and strength. But, as to prospects of final
disestablishment, the only recent precedents, those of
Ireland and France, are so thoroughly dissimilar that they
scarcely need mention. I notice also the absence of any
sympathy inside the Church with the disestablishment pro
posals of Mr. Waldenstrom, proposals which he has re
peatedly brought before the Kyrko-mote and renewed this
year. If, indeed, the Church of England or Scotland
were disestablished, or that of Denmark, the probability
would be greater. Even if the Church of Sweden were
disestablished it need not, I think, dread disendowment,
since its constitution is so popular and so broadly based,
and it has no rival of any size to profit by its weakness or
to rejoice in its spoliation. I think, therefore, that the
future of the Church of Sweden as a national Church,
whether formally or practically, is fairly secure, and this is
a very real reason why its own people, as well as foreigners,
should take an interest in its welfare. It is a body which
has a future before it, and a future which will continue to
link it to a great and noble nation.
As to its doctrine, I do not expect to see any important
formal change, but I do expect a much greater comprehen
siveness in practice, such comprehensiveness as may attract
again into the Church those who have been alienated from
it, or at least win their respect and admiration. This may
well come about through the reflex action of Swedes in
U.S.A., and to some extent from greater intercourse, not
only with Germany, but with England and other non-
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