Swedish pastor cited after family burial

The pastor, who is 83-years-old, now stands accused of breaching church regulations after carrying out the burial service for a man from Skåne in southern Sweden who died last summer.

“There are so many rules and regulations. The problem with the church is that they do not listen. I try to be there for people who seek help and comfort,” the pastor said to local newspaper Kvällsposten.

But as the deceased man was not a member of the Church of Sweden the ceremony was a civil service, although it is reported to have been conducted in a religious manner.

A Church of Sweden pastor is, according to existing regulations, permitted to perform the funeral service of a non-member, but permission needs to granted by the local parish and the estate of the deceased must cover the expenses.

The Lund cathedral chapter will now consider whether these criteria have been met and are expected to rule on the case in October.