Förlåta eller försonas? En analys av samtida beskrivningar av förlåtelse i relation till #vardeljus-uppropet i Svenska kyrkan.

Abstract

The purpose of this Master thesis is to interrogate how interpersonal forgiveness is described within contemporary theology related to the Church of Sweden. The theological descriptions are compared with and discussed in relation to the experiences of forgiveness, as they are described in the #metoo movement within the Church of Sweden, called #vardeljus. The method used is textual idea analysis on texts from contemporary Swedish theologians, as well as the Theological Committee of the Church of Sweden. One conclusion drawn is that interpersonal forgiveness is not performative, but rather an outcome that might result from a reconciliation process. It is also clear that interpersonal forgiveness can never be imposed on someone. This differs from the experiences told about in #vardeljus. Another conclusion is that liturgy and preaching must include experiences from both victims and perpetrators. I suggest that the rector, instead of forcing the victim to forgive the perpetrator, has a responsibility for the reconciliation process within the congregation. In this Master thesis, I outline one process of reconciliation that might be used.