Church of Sweden Shamed for ‘Political Activism’ as It Unveils First LGBT-Themed Altarpiece – Photo
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Sputniknews – 2/12/2019
The homoerotic painting by an openly lesbian artist depicting black and white people in intimate poses has been hailed for its “positive view of sexuality” and containing “phallic symbols”. As one priest put it, it also suggested that the Serpent was a “transsexual woman”. Still, many concluded it was a step in the wrong direction for the Church.
On 1 December, on the first day of Advent, St. Paul’s Church in Malmö became the first in Sweden to receive an LGBT-themed altarpiece.
The new altarpiece, the homoerotic painting “Paradise” by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, is roughly based on Reformation-era painter Lucas Cranach’s “Adam and Eve”, and features black and white gays and lesbians in sexual poses.
The Church of Sweden, which allowed gay marriage in 2009, and has since been a vocal ally of the LGBT movement, didn’t hide its joy.
“On Sunday, history is written. Sweden’s only LGBT altarpiece (Elisabeth Ohlsson Wallin) is received by St. Paul’s church in Malmö. Of course, it hangs in the choir, next to the ‘old’ altarpiece. We are so happy and proud!”, Helena Myrstener, the pastor of St. Paul’s Church, tweeted.
The Church of Sweden in Malmö suggested the altarpiece was a token of the church’s inclusivity and representation.
“It is with pride and joy that we receive ‘Paradise’ in the St. Paul Church. We need images that open up for greater inclusion and identification in the Church. We are grateful to Elizabeth’s artistry that allows us to build a credible church that shows there is a place in Paradise for all of us, regardless of who we love and how to identify ourselves” the Swedish Church in Malmö wrote in a press release.
“Before this board came up here, only men were represented in the artwork. But with this board all of us are”, priest Sofia Tunebro told national broadcaster SVT. She also suggested that it held a “very positive view of sexuality”. She also contended that it included “phallic symbols” and suggested that the Serpent was a “transsexual woman”.
Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, who is openly lesbian, is known for her support of the LGBT cause. In 1998, her exhibition Ecce Homo in Uppsala Cathedral stirred up a commotion for placing Jesus among homosexuals and transvestites, even riding a bicycle in a gay pride parade.
The reception on social media was a rather mixed one, however. While some found it quite up-to-date and responded with elated messages and added rainbows, others saw the new altar as a bearer of sinister news.
“Not impressed. This is not about Christian values, but only political activism. Shameful!”, one user wrote.
“The Church of Sweden: We do not understand why so many members choose to leave each year, what can we do differently to stop the negative trend? Also the Church of Sweden: the Serpent is a transsexual woman”, another one scoffed.
