3. Religion and the Church

Today there are many churches and chapels in the archipelago. The oldest one is Värmdö church, built in the 14th century. Djurö Church is from 1683.

At the Uppsala Synod in 1593 a decision was made which would change the lives of the entire population of Sweden. Catholicism was banned throughout the country and the “pure evangelical doctrine” was declared to be the only religion allowed. Thus the church became part of the state, monasteries were closed and the Swedish language replaced Latin in church services. The priest became the long arm of the state. It wasn’t until 1860 that Catholicism was allowed in Sweden again.

It was the duty of the authorities to punish sinners and law-breakers. If they didn’t, God, in his fury, might take revenge by means of plague, poverty or war. There was a special “chair of shame” in churches, where sinners first had to kneel and then make an apology in front of the congregation.

The existence of God was never questioned when Sweden was a great power – neither did anyone doubt that the Devil was constantly present. The struggle between good and evil was an integral part of everyone’s life.

To get to the next stop continue along the road until you see sign number 4 in front of “mor Marias stuga” on the left.