Lunds universitet/Centrum för teologi och religionsvetenskap
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to discuss issues related to the ongoing reconciliation process between the Church of Sweden and the Sami people, with a comparative outlook towards Norway. The question I raise is under what conditions the Church is willing to seek reconciliation. Reports and other pertinent documents published by the Church have been analysed mainly through critical reading, seeking intent and agenda behind the texts. Restorative justice theory is used in order to determine how well the reconciliation efforts correspond to that theory. Sami identity is discussed in order to better understand the people with which the Church seeks reconciliation. I have concluded that the reconciliation process largely corresponds to the principles of restorative justice, although its more pronounced elements are yet to be addressed. This refers mainly to broad dialogues involving all stakeholders in the conflicts concerning land and natural resources as proposed in one of the reports I have analysed. Also, The Church of Sweden has proven unwilling to make changes to its political structure in order to make room for Sami representation in its decision-making bodies. Still, in the last two years important steps have been taken to move the process forward
