Dear Archbishop, highly respected brother in Christ,
On behalf of the Church of Sweden it is my joy and privilege to express our heartfelt congratulations on your ninetieth birthday.
We gratefully join the ranks of all those who on this day celebrate the gifts of faith, love and hope that you so generously have shared with so many people. Courage, comfort, transformation, justice and forgiveness are some of the nourishing fruits that have grown out of your service to our common humanity. Those in power were confronted with their accountability and responsibility. Those deprived of their voices were empowered and listened to.
For me, this is also a day to gratefully remember the work of my predecessors and fellow-Christians in the Church of Sweden in their support of the struggle against apartheid. The links of partnership and friendship that have grown over time between our countries continue to mean a lot to many of us.
Your and your daughter’s visit to the Gothenburg Book Fair in 2014 stands out in my personal memory. Our public conversation and your sermon on forgiveness have gained fresh actuality as we are approaching a milestone in the truth and reconciliation process between our indigenous population, the Sami, and the Church of Sweden – namely an official apology.
By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, your work will continue to inspire new generations! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13.8.
Peace and blessings,
your sister in Christ,
Antje
The Most Rev Dr Antje Jackelén
Archbishop of Uppsala