Blessing same-sex unions and the invention of a ‘genuine homosexuality’ in the Church of Sweden

Abstract

The Church of Sweden decided to introduce a blessing ceremony for same-sex couples in 2005. This article examines how the blessing ceremony was made possible by the invention of a new ‘genuine’ homosexuality. Theological issues concerning ‘sin’, ‘grace’, eschatology, ‘God’, anthropology and the status of the Bible and historical texts came to be understood and articulated in new ways when the idea of ‘genuine’ homosexuality began to be discussed and gained acceptance in the Church of Sweden. I argue that the decision to introduce a blessing ceremony not only represented a change in how the Church of Sweden regards homosexuality and same-sex relationships, thereby formulating and reformulating well-established Christian teachings and doctrines, but also that new exclusions were articulated which strengthened the hegemonic and heteronormative order. The behaviours and social forms that were excluded include bisexuality, promiscuity, promiscuous homosexuality, and polyamorous relationships.