Antje Jackelén (born 4 June 1955) is a Swedish Lutheran bishop who has served as Archbishop of Uppsala, the primate of the Church of Sweden, since her installation in June 2014. She is the first woman to hold the position of archbishop in the Church of Sweden.
Early life and education
Jackelén was born in Marstrand, Sweden. She studied theology at Lund University, earning a cand.theol. degree in 1978 and later completing a doctoral dissertation in systematic theology, awarded in 2012. Her academic work has focused on topics such as ecology, the relationship between science and religion, and contemporary theological ethics.
Clerical career
- Ordained as a priest in the Church of Sweden in 1977.
- Served in parish ministry and held various positions within the church’s administrative structures.
- Appointed Bishop of Lund, a historic diocese of the Church of Sweden. (Exact tenure dates are documented in official church records.)
Archbishop of Uppsala
In March 2013, Jackelén was elected by the Church of Sweden’s General Synod to succeed Anders Wejryd as Archbishop of Uppsala. Her election marked a historic milestone as the first female archbishop in the Swedish Lutheran tradition. She was formally installed in June 2014.
Public positions and activities
As archbishop, Jackelén has been vocal on issues including climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. She has participated in international religious conferences and contributed to ecumenical initiatives within the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches.
Honors and recognition
Jackelén has received various academic honors and honorary doctorates in recognition of her theological contributions and public advocacy. She is a member of multiple scholarly societies related to theology and ethics.
Personal life
Jackelén is married and has children. She continues to be involved in scholarly writing, public speaking, and pastoral oversight within the Church of Sweden.
