KG Hammar: The proposal would be disastrous for the church
DN has revealed that the suggestions to change the church’s forestry to more sustainable and with fewer calving – appear to fall. This is evident from A leaked document.
Former Archbishop KG Hammar reacts strongly when DN talks about the proposal, which means that the large forest investigation presented last fall and which the members have ordered through the church meeting – seems not to go through.
– If it is stuck, it is disastrous for the church, says KG Hammar, who was Archbishop 1997–2006.
He believes that The dividing line goes between the group within the church that wants forestry to bring in a lot of money to the business – and the group that chooses to see forestry as part of the activities to be carried out according to the church’s values. He himself believes that the forest management must be « in line with what the church preaches ».
– We must live in such a way that what we preach and believe in should not be contradicted by our stewardship. Jesus said we cannot serve both God and Mammon. With this proposal, it looks like we earn Mammon – and then first serve God, he says.
Erika Brundin, the Swedish Church’s deputy secretary general, responds to the criticism with a written statement:
« Right now, preparation of the case is underway by which the Church Board is planned to decide in June. The letter from the church board will contain proposals that the church meeting will then decide on in November. As long as the preparation work is ongoing, we cannot comment on the case. »
According to KG Hammar is a basic problem that the individuals within the church who are responsible for forest management feel criticized when there is a requirement for increased sustainability in forestry.
– But it is not about saying that they have done a bad job, but about saying that now is another priority. Now we need to prioritize living with creation. Not to live against non-human life, but we have to live with it. The church also proclaims through its way of managing. Especially at the time when the climate crisis is so pronounced and we cannot avoid it.
Read more:
Full restructuring of the church’s forestry is proposed: « The forest should make climate benefit »
Big riot about the church’s forests – « It is tripped with numbers »
