Church of Sweden Warns Against Belarusian Nuns Linked to Russian Intelligence

The Church of Sweden (Svenska kyrkan) has issued a clear advisory to its congregations, urging them not to invite nuns from the Belarusian St Elisabeth monastery due to alleged ties to the Russian state. The warning comes after reports that nuns from this monastery were selling crafts such as mittens and Russian dolls at Tibble church in Täby.

Lisa-Gun Bernerstedt, head of civil preparedness at Svenska kyrkan, highlighted serious concerns that the monastery’s income indirectly supports the Russian regime and its invasion of Ukraine. She pointed to the monastery's connections with the Russian military intelligence service, GRU, and emphasized that the church does not want to facilitate the Russian government's influence or provide a platform for intelligence activities. Bernerstedt estimated that around 10 to 20 Swedish congregations may have collaborated with the monastery in recent years.

In response, St Elisabeth monastery has strongly denied the accusations, stating that the funds they raise are used solely to support the needy, including providing meals and elderly care, rather than aiding the war effort in Ukraine.

The Church of Sweden’s advisory reflects growing sensitivity within Swedish religious institutions regarding entanglements with organizations connected to geopolitical conflicts, as the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to influence domestic policies and attitudes.