Nordic Ukraine Forum applauds Swedish church’s public warning on pro-Russian nuns

The civil society organization Nordic Ukraine Forum praised the Church of Sweden for issuing a public warning against inviting or cooperating with nuns from the Saint Elisabeth Convent in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, an order that has repeatedly linked to support for Russian forces in Ukraine. 

The regime of Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko has also been accused of propagating Russian disinformation and misinformation campaigns. 

“The [church’s] warning, together with the extensive media coverage of this issue, is an important step, as the nuns have appeared not only on church premises but also at Christmas markets and similar community events across Sweden,” Nordic Ukraine Forum said.

The nonprofit group mobilized quickly after learning that a parish in Taby had once again invited representatives of the Belarusian convent. 

Working in coordination with the embassy of Belarus in Sweden, the Nordic Forum initiated outreach to Swedish journalists, securing the first wave of media coverage. 

It also drafted and placed opposite-edorial columns in several Swedish newspapers. 

The Forum also sent a detailed letter to the Church of Sweden’s national leadership that called for immediate action, that it should maintain consistent pressure on social media, and closely track the Church’s internal response that was initially limited to an internal notice. 

When it became known that the nuns from the Belarusian convent had once again been invited to Sweden, this time by a parish in Täby, the Ukrainian organization acted quickly in cooperation with the Embassy of the Belarusian People in Sweden.

They reached out to journalists and secured the first media coverage; wrote and distributed an op-ed in several newspapers; sent an official letter to the Church of Sweden at the national level outlining the facts and calling for immediate action; repeatedly raised the issue on social media; and closely monitored the Church’s response after it initially issued only an internal warning without a public statement.

They also contacted additional journalists from print outlets, radio and television, emphasising the need for a public warning, and informed Ukrainian organizations in other Nordic countries upon learning that the nuns planned to travel there as well.

“These combined efforts resulted in a broad media coverage and public comments and clarifications from the Church of Sweden including its head of civil defence department. We welcome this development, as it will help reduce the risk of Swedes being misled in the future,” Nordic Ukraine Forum said.