MALMÖ MENU
On January 22, 2023, Birgitta Ed started wearing the Roman collar. It is not surprising, since after seven years of study and a master’s degree in theology, this former communications advisor had just been ordained a priest by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden, during a celebration in Strängnäs Cathedral. But this fifty-year-old mother of three daughters is not just anyone: since 1991, Birgitta Ed has been married to Ulf Kristersson, leader of the Swedish conservative party, who will become prime minister in 2022.
In this context, the Swedish First Lady’s obstinacy in constantly wearing a black shirt, closed at the neck with a Roman collar, does not leave anyone indifferent. Especially since the Swedes often present their country, not without a touch of pride, as one of the least religious in the world, although 5.5 of its 10 million inhabitants continue to pay clerical taxes, which makes them official members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. , separated from the State only since 1Ahem January 2000.
But despite the controversies, Birgitta Ed continues to appear dressed as a priest, whether at a dinner hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf in honor of a foreign head of state visiting Stockholm or at the Nobel ceremony. She sometimes adorns her Roman collar shirt, which she wears under an evening dress, for special occasions, with a huge silver cross. In a sensational interview expressOn December 25, 2023, he assured that he only took off his clothes to sleep or go to the pool.
Beer and pious image.
Some applaud. Others denounce the mixing of genres. As in a photo posted on her husband’s Instagram account in September: Roman collar under a black blouse with white prints, Birgitta Ed smiles at the camera, a glass of beer in her hand, in front of three bottles and two cans, she slide a pious image. between them. In the caption, Ulf Kristersson announces that his government has decided to reduce taxes on beer produced in Swedish microbreweries.
“Can someone explain to me why he wears his Roman collar when he advertises the private sale of alcohol? »Anna Ardin, a deacon close to the Social Democratic Party, reacted on her X account, provoking dozens of comments. “What poses a problem is the confusion of roles. Is she sitting there as a representative of the Swedish Church or of government policy? »theologian Joel Halldorf asked in the newspaper express. Finally, M.me Ed, who claimed the photo had been posted without his knowledge, demanded it be deleted.
You have 56.09% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
