Crime, energy prizes, and the role of immigrants are hot topics ahead of the 11 September general election. In a context of “secularism with no values”, Christians should take a stand for the Gospel, two evangelical leaders say.

Svenska kyrkan, the largest Lutheran denomination in Europe, holds elections on Sunday. Many are increasingly frustrated that “non-believing politicians wish to be elected to the General Synod of a church whose beliefs they don’t share”.

In an open letter, priests and other members of the Swedish Lutheran Church say they believe in “a humanity in all the colours of the rainbow, absolutely amazing and infinite in its diversity”.

The leadership of the Protestant Church of Sweden will use “inclusive” language in worship services. Terms like “Father” and “Lord” can now be avoided.

Aim is “to express the gifts of the Reformation and ask forgiveness for division perpetuated by the two traditions.” “It doesn’t make any sense”, says President of the Theology Comission of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance, Jose Hutter.

Pope received the Lutheran Archbishop of Sweden and asked for more ecumenical unity: “Christian division contradicts the will of Christ”.