Controversy Surrounds David Lång's Candidacy in Church of Sweden Election
David Lång's candidacy for the Church of Sweden election faces backlash due to his past racist remarks.
Key Points
- • David Lång is leading the Sweden Democrats' list for the Church of Sweden election.
- • His past chanting of 'Ausländer raus' has reignited controversies.
- • Social Democrats, led by Jesper Eneroth, criticize his candidacy as incompatible with Church values.
- • Ronnie Nilsson defends Lång, citing his contributions to church politics.
The candidacy of David Lång, a former MP from the Sweden Democrats (SD), is generating significant debate as he leads the party's ticket for the upcoming Church of Sweden elections. Lång, who resigned from parliament last year after being recorded chanting the racist slogan "Ausländer raus," is defended by party members but faces harsh criticism from the Social Democrats. Ronnie Nilsson, the SD's chairman in the Church of Sweden, asserts that Lång has been a positive force in church politics, emphasizing that he has neither acted inappropriately nor repeated his past slogans within church contexts.
In contrast, the Social Democrats are vehemently opposing Lång's candidacy. Jesper Eneroth, the leader of the Social Democratic church group, argues that Lång's history raises concerns about SD's suitability to place someone viewed as too extreme for parliament into a leadership role within the Church. He stated, "Chanting 'Ausländer raus' contradicts the Church's values of humanity and respect," questioning whether SD's decision reflects a commitment to the Church's principles of compassion and solidarity. The internal party debates indicate a looming showdown as the elections approach, with Lång’s candidacy becoming a litmus test for the Church's alignment with societal values and tolerance. As of now, attempts to reach Lång for comments have been made without a response.