The Rev. Håkan Wilhelmsson concluded a two-year interim service as Rector for the Swedish Church in London with a celebratory Eucharist on Sunday 22 March. He was further honoured at a special reception following the service, where he and his wife were presented with gifts to commemorate their time in the UK, and speeches were offered in appreciation for their ministry.
During his interim, Rev. Wilhelmsson initiated conversations about the importance of nurturing active ecumenical relationships such as the Porvoo Communion, as well as an in-depth exploration of the definition and requirements for official membership within the Swedish Church in London, considering that expats (accustomed to supporting the church automatically via the taxation system in Sweden) are in a unique relationship with the church in London due to the difference in laws and financial support needs for UK charities.
Regarding his two years of ministry and what he has accomplished here, Håkan reflects, ‘There is still much to be done. The church in London significantly strengthens the Swedish community, and provides worship in the Swedish language, as you can express love and prayer best in your mother tongue.’ He also acknowledged the importance of their key ministry providing spiritual care to the community’s elderly members each month, a gathering which attracts an average attendance of 100 persons each time.
Congregational chairman Per Jonsson acknowledged Rev. Wilhelmsson’s at his farewell service: ‘Håkan gets things done, and in 18 months he has accomplished a lot. He came as an interim rector but did so much more, and so we name him rector extraordinaire and look forward to hanging his portrait in the entrance hall to our church.’
