Archbishop of Uppsala
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The Archbishop of Uppsala (spelled Upsala until early 20th century) has been the primate in Sweden in an unbroken succession since 1164, first during the Catholic era, and from the 1530s and onward under the Lutheran church.
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[edit] Historical overview
- For more details on this topic, see Archdiocese of Uppsala.
There have been bishops in Uppsala from the time of Swedish King Ingold the Elder in the 11th century. They were governed by the archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen until Uppsala was made an archbishopric in 1164. The archbishop in Lund (which at that time belonged to Denmark) was declared primate of Sweden, meaning it was his right to select and ordain the Uppsala archbishop by handing him the pallium. To gain independence, Folke Johansson Ängel in 1274 went to Rome and was ordained directly by the Pope. This practice was increasing, so that no Uppsala archbishop was in Lund after Olov Björnsson, in 1318. In 1457, the archbishop Jöns Bengtsson (Oxenstierna) was allowed to declare himself primate of Sweden.
Uppsala (then a village) was originally located a couple of miles to the north of the present city, in what is today known as Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala). In 1273, the archbishopric, together with the relics of king Eric the Saint, was moved to the market town of Östra Aros, which from then on is named Uppsala.
In 1531, Laurentius Petri was chosen by the King Gustav I of Sweden (Vasa) to be archbishop, taking that privilege from the Pope and in effect making Sweden protestantic. The archbishop was then declared primus inter pares -- the first among equals. The archbishop is both bishop of his diocese and archbishop; he has however no more authority than other bishops, although in effect his statements have a more widespread effect. In 2000, the archbishop of Uppsala was supplemented in the diocese by a bishop of Uppsala, currently Ragnar Persenius.
[edit] Notable archbishops
The labours of the archbishops extended in all directions. Some were zealous pastors of their flocks, such as Jarler and others; some were distinguished canonists, such as Birger Gregerson (1367-83) and Olof Larsson (1435-8); others were statesmen, such as Jöns Bengtsson Oxenstjerna (d. 1467), or capable administrators, such as Jacob Ulfsson Örnfot, who was distinguished as a prince of the Church, royal councillor, patron of art and learning, founder of the University of Upsala and an efficient helper in the introduction of printing into Sweden. There were also scholars, such as Johannes Magnus (died 1544), who wrote the "Historia de omnibus Gothorum sueonumque regibus" and the "Historia metropolitanæ ecclesiæ Upsaliensis", and his brother Olaus Magnus (d. 1588), who wrote the "Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus" and who was the last Catholic Archbishop of Upsala.[1]
The archbishops and secular clergy found active co-workers among the regular clergy. Among the orders represented in Sweden were the Benedictines, Cistercians, Dominicans, Franciscans, Brigittines (with the mother-house at Wadstena) and Carthusians. A Swedish Protestant investigator, Carl Silfverstolpe, wrote: "The monks were almost the sole bond of union in the Middle Ages between the civilization of the north and that of southern Europe, and it can be claimed that the active relations between our monasteries and those in southern lands were the arteries through which the higher civilization reached our country."[1]
See Birger Gregersson (1366-83; hymnist and author), Nils Ragvaldsson (1438- 48; early adherent of Old Norse mythology), Jöns Bengtsson (Oxenstierna) (1448-67; King of Sweden), Jakob Ulfsson (1470-1514; founder of Uppsala University), Gustav Trolle (1515-21; supporter of the Danish King), Johannes Magnus (1523-26: wrote an imaginative Scandianian Chronicle), Laurentius Petri (1531-73; main character behind the Swedish Lutheran reformation), Abraham Angermannus (1593-99; controversial critic of the King), Olaus Martini (1601- 09), Petrus Kenicius (1609-36), Laurentius Paulinus Gothus (1637-46; astronomer and philosopher of Ramus school), Johannes Canuti Lenaeus (1647-69; aristotelean and logician), Erik Benzelius the Elder (1700-09; highly knowledgeable), Haquin Spegel (1711-14; public educator), Mattias Steuchius (1714-30), Uno von Troil (1786- 1803; politician), Jakob Axelsson Lindblom (1805-19), Johan Olof Wallin (1837-39; beloved poet and hymnist), Karl Fredrik af Wingård (1839-51; politician), Henrik Reuterdahl (1856-70) Anton Niklas Sundberg (1870-1900; outspoken and controversial) and Nathan Söderblom (1914-1931; Nobel Prize winner).[2]
[edit] Earliest bishops
The first written mention of a bishop at Uppsala is of a "Henrik" in 1129. However, this may be a misunderstanding, since this bishop is not found in the first list of bishops made in the 15th century.[3] In this list, the five earliest bishops were Sverinius (Siwardus?), succeeded by Nicolaus, Sveno, Henricus (also known as Henry, who preached in Finland) and Kopmannus. With the exception of Henry, the list only mentions their names.[4][5]
[edit] Archbishop before the Reformation
[edit] 12th century
Johannes was ordained by the Archbishop of Lund, Absalon by November 1185. In 1187, a ship from the pagan Estonia entered Mälaren, a lake close to Uppsala, on a plundering expedition. It sailed to Sigtuna, a prosperous city at that time, and plundered it. On its way back, barricades were set up the only exist point at Almarestäket to prevent the ship from escaping. Johannes was there also. As the ship struggled to pass through, Johannes were among those killed.
- 1187–1197 Petrus.
He was ordained by Absalon. Sweden got a new king, Sverker II of Sweden in 1196, who was related to the Danish Royal Court, whereby Absalon extended his authority over Sweden. When Petrus in 1196 elected three bishops, Absalon requested the Pope to interact since the bishops were the sons of other priests, and this was not allowed according to a papal decree. He also mentioned that several Swedish bishops refused to travel to his synods. Absalon was an authoritative person whom the Pope entrusted and gave him right, but by the time the message reached Uppsala Petrus had already died.
[edit] 13th century
- 1198–1206 Olov Lambatunga.
When Uppsala burnt in 1204, Olov's pallium was burnt and he sent a request to the Pope for a new to be made.
- 1207–1219 Valerius.
Valerius joined side with the king Sverker II of Sweden who belonged to the House of Sverker. The House of Sverker was one of the antagonists in a civil war that had been going on and off since 1130. In 1208 the opposing side, the House of Eric, sieged the capital Stockholm, and Sverker fled the country together with Valierus to Denmark.
Sverker gathered a small army in Denmark and tried to conquer Sweden he but was killed. Valerius then decided to accepted the opposing King Eric X's authority. As a result he was allowed to return to Uppsala, where he crowned Eric X in 1210. The Pope Innocent III sent a letter to Valerius where he proclaimed the procedure to be unauthorized and unlawful, but it seems to have had little impact.
He was one of the first known Swedish students at the University of Paris. As archbishop, he established several clerical regulations.- 1255–1267 Lars (Laurentius).
But this was not realized because of the shaky situation is Sweden. There was an ongoing struggle for the power, which eventually forced the antagonists to tax Church estate to support their war.
Lars tried to enforce Clerical celibacy, which still had not been enforced in Sweden because the low population figures in Sweden required priests to marry and have children. Lars in 1258 sent the Pope a request about not having to excommunicate those who broke the celibacy vow, which indicates this was not uncommon. Also in 1258 the move of the archbishopric to its present location was decided, but it would not be realized for another decade.
- 1267–1277 Folke Johansson Ängel (Fulco Angelus).
He was, for unclear reason, not ordained until 1274. Civil distrubances may have been a cause, but also reluctance from the chapter to be under the authority of Lund. In 1274, Folke ignored the primate of Lund by travelling to Rome and get ordained by the Pope himself
Folke's most important contribution was to commission the moving of the episcopal see from its old location to its present location. At his death he was one of the first to be buried in Uppsala Cathedral. [6]
- 1277–1281 Jakob Israelsson
- 1281–1284 Johan Odulfsson
- 1285–1289 Magnus Bosson.
- 1289–1291 Johan.
[edit] 14th century
- 1292–1305 Nils Allesson (Nicolaus Allonius).
Nils was known as a vigorous archbishop. He founded and supervised institutions for safety and order around the archdiocese, such as accommodations for travelers. [7]
- 1308–1314 Nils Kettilsson
- 1315–1332 Olov Björnsson (Olov the Wise; Olavus sapiens).
- 1332–1341 Petrus Filipsson (Petrus Philippi).
He had a strained relationship to the Franciscan order. On behalf of the Pope, Archbishop Paul of Nidaros (old name for Trondheim), Norway, was to make a judgement on the matter. It led to a settlement between the two parts in 1339.
In 1341 Petrus died and was buried in Sigtuna's Dominican order church today called Mariakyrkan. [9]
- 1341–1351 Hemming Nilsson.
During his time, he helped in the political world, made a visitation through Norway and established Uppsala ecclesiastical records. His last will shows that he was also quite wealthy. [2]
- 1351–1366 Petrus Torkilsson (Petrus Tyrgilli; died October 19, 1366).
In 1342 he was appointed Bishop of Linköping, where he assisted the building of the Linköping Cathedral. He was assessor during King Magnus monetary transactions, among them the repayment of a loan Magnus hade made from the Church. After the new King Albert of Sweden took power, Petrus supported him as well.
- 1366–1383 Birger Gregersson.
- 1383–1408 Henrik Karlsson (Henricus Caroli).
Had a good economical skill, was a wealthy man, and acquired many farms for the Church. At his death, he left them to the chapter, but the Queen Margaret is said to have taken them in possession instead, which marked the beginning of disputes between the chapter and the states in the union (which lasted until 1520). [11]
[edit] 15th century
- 1408–1421 Jöns Gerekesson (Johannes Gerechini)
At the death of the Archbishop Henrik, King Eric appointed Jöns, who had no connection to Uppsala, as new archbishop without regards to the candidates of the chapter.
During his time, Jöns paid little respect to the duties of archbishop. He embessled Church property and mistreated Church officials. Eventually, the chapter complained to the Pope, who conducted an investigation and dimissed Jöns Gereksson in 1421.
- 1421–1432 Johan Håkansson (Johannes Haquini)
- 1432–1438 Olov Larsson (Olaus Laurentii)
- 1433–1434 Arnold of Bergen (unofficial) (Arend in Norwegian; died 1434) was bishop of Bergen, Norway, and was never ordained as archbishop.
The quarrels were resolved when Arnold died in 1434; then the king decided to accept Olaus Laurentii who had just returned from Rome. [3]
- 1438–1448 Nils Ragvaldsson (Nicolaus Ragvaldi)
- 1448–1467 Jöns Bengtsson (Oxenstierna)
- 1468–1469 Tord Pedersson (Bonde) (not ordained)
- 1469–1515 Jakob Ulvsson
- 1515–1517 and 1520–1521 Gustav Trolle
[edit] Archbishops during the Reformation
- 1523–1544 Johannes Magnus
Gustav Vasa appointed a new archbishop, Laurentius Petri, in 1531, and Johannes realized that his time as archbishop was due. He travelled to Rome where he settled for the remainder of his life. [12]
- 1544–1557 Olaus Magnus
[edit] Archbishops after the Reformation
[edit] 16th century
- 1531–1573 Laurentius Petri (Nericius)
He and his brothers Olaus Petri where the main Protestant reformers in Sweden; while his brother was more energetic, Laurentius's laid the theoretical foundation for the Swedish Church Ordinance 1571.
- 1575–1579 Laurentius Petri Gothus
Before becoming archbishop, Gothus appears to have been inclined towards King Johan III of Sweden's more Catholic stands. He was for this reason ordained by the King in a Catholic ritual with all its apparatus, and wrote the introduction to the King's "red book". As the Jesuitic tendencies grew stronger in Sweden in the 1570s, he became more wary; he refused to support the views of the King any longer, and published Contra novas papistarum machinationes which, although gives proper respect to the Church fathers, polemizes against the foundation of Catholicism and the Jesuits.
- 1583–1591 Andreas Laurentii Björnram
Björnram upset Church official by declaring that the liturgy of the King was in accordance with the Apostles' Creed and that he supported it. Surprisingly, he was nonetheless advocating the reading of Luther's works.
- 1593–1599 Abraham Angermannus
In 1593 the cathedral chapter in Uppsala elected him archbishop, and he moved back to Sweden and took the seat. He was a harsh critic of Catholicism and the remains which were still in practice around Sweden. In 1599 the King had had enough of him, and prosecuted him. Angermannus was put in prison in Gripsholm, where he was forced to remain until his death in 1607.[13]
- 1599–1600 Nicolaus Olai Bothniensis (not ordained)
[edit] 17th century
- 1601–1609 Olaus Martini (Olof Mårtensson)
Born 1557 in Uppsala. Educated first in Uppsala, then abroad. Was against the liturgy of King John III of Sweden. Was made archbishop thanks to the support by Duke Charles (Charles IX of Sweden), although they later clashed due to their fundamentally different beliefs.
- 1609–1636 Petrus Kenicius
Born 1555. Was against the King's liturgy, and imprisoned for a short duration of 1589. Participated in the Uppsala Synod 1593. Was archbishop for a long time, into his old age.
- 1637–1646 Laurentius Paulinus Gothus
Born 1565. Was knowledgeable in several subjects, and was professor of astronomy and logistics at Uppsala University. Wrote several works on astronomy, astrology and theology.
- 1647–1669 Johannes Canuti Lenaeus
Professor of Logic, Hebrew and Greek. Wrote an influential book about the philosophy of Aristotle that revived interest in Aristotelianism and was used as a textbook for several years.
- 1670–1676 Lars Stigzelius
Professor of Logic at Uppsala where he supported the Aristotelian philosophy against the adherents of Ramism. Was considered a highly learned man and involved in various political and clerical tasks. As an archbishop he did not make any great contribution due to his advanced age.
- 1677–1681 Johan Baazius the younger
- 1681–1700 Olov Svebilius, (Olaus Svebilius)
Commissioned the new Bible translation and revising the Swedish book of hymns. Published many works, most notably A simple explanation of Martin Luther's little catechism.
[edit] 18th century
- 1700–1709 Erik Benzelius the elder
- 1711–1714 Haquin Spegel (born Håkan Spegel; June 14, 1645 – April 17, 1714)
He was an important religious author and hymn writer. He held several bishop's seats before becoming archbishop.
- 1714–1730 Mathias Steuchius
- 1730–1742 Johannes Steuchius, (Johannes Steuch)
- 1742–1743 Erik Benzelius the younger
- 1744–1747 Jakob Benzelius
- 1747–1758 Henrik Benzelius
- 1758–1764 Samuel Troilius
- 1764–1775 Magnus Beronius
- 1775–1786 Karl Fredrik Mennander
- 1786–1803 Uno von Troil
[edit] 19th century
- 1805–1819 Jakob Axelsson Lindblom
- 1819–1836 Carl von Rosenstein (Carl Rosén von Rosenstein)
(Uppsala May 13, 1736 – December 2, 1836) was a member of the Swedish Academy. He belonged to the influential noble families von Rosén and Rosenstein.
He was knowledgeable in the classic languages, had an unusual knowledge in agriculture and was a member of all the Swedish Royal Academies at the time, except for the Academy of Arts. The academies he joined were: the Academy of Science and Literature (joined in 1807), Academy of Science (1808), the Academy of Literature History (1810), the Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (1818), the Swedish Academy (1819), the Scientific society in Uppsala (1820) and the Academy of Music (1822). He was regarded as a generous and social person, friendly, handsome and cheerful. [14]
- 1837–1839 Johan Olof Wallin (1779–1839), minister, orator, poet. He was a prolific writer, today best remembered for the hymns he wrote.
- 1839–1851 Carl Fredrik af Wingård
- 1852–1855 Hans Olov Holmström (October 15, 1784 – August 27, 1855)
After acquiring his Master of Arts in philosophy and theology and becoming assistant professor in Latin at Uppsala University, he moved to Strängnäs where he was eventually appointed bishop in 1839. He was also an influential politician in the Swedish Riksdag from 1828 to his death.
He was known as a soft and gently person, and very firm to his beliefs. [15]
- 1856–1870 Henrik Reuterdahl (1795–1870)
Stemming from Malmö, he was early orphanaged and had to rely on others for his education and support. Despite this he managed to get a higher education at the Lund University in theology, philology and Church history, influenced by local academic dignities such as Erik Gustaf Geijer and the German Schleiermacher whose works were popular in Lund at the time.
He later published a thorough history of the Church in Sweden, and was a member of the Swedish Academy from 1852. [16]
- 1870–1900 Anton Niklas Sundberg (May 27, 1818 – February 2, 1900)
He acquired a philosophie doctor's degree in Uppsala, became dean and was ordained priest, and then undertook a travel through Europe in 1849-50.
He was known as a controversial person; very outspoken, no stranger to using strong language, despising hypocrisy, but he displayed a notable sense of wit and authority. [17]
[edit] 20th century
- 1900–1913 Johan August Ekman
- 1914–1931 Nathan Söderblom
- 1931–1950 Erling Eidem
- 1950–1958 Yngve Brilioth (July 12, 1891 in Västra Ed, Kalmar County – died April 27, 1959 in Uppsala)
Was Ph.D. in Uppsala and subsequently a dean professor of philosophy and bishop of Växjö.
He wrote many international historical and theological books. For his contribution to the history of the Anglican Church, in 1942 he was awarded the Lambeth Cross, the highest award in the Anglican Church.
He used his deep historical knowledge when he as archbishop took measures concerning the organisation, liturgy and methods of preaching; he furthermore had an international interest and was chairman of the Faith and Order commission. [18]
- 1958–1967 Gunnar Hultgren
(Born February 19, 1902 in Eskilstuna; died February 13, 1991 in Uppsala.)
- 1967–1972 Ruben Josefson
(Born 25 August, 1907 in Svenljunga, Älvsborgs län; died March 19, 1972 in Uppsala.)
- 1972–1983 Olof Sundby (1917–1996)
He wed the present King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on June 19, 1976 in Storkyrkan in Stockholm.
- 1983–1993 Bertil Werkström (1928-)
- 1993–1997 Gunnar Weman (1932-)
- 1997–2006 Karl Gustav Hammar (1943-)
- 2006–present Anders Wejryd (1948-)
[edit] References
- ^ a b http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15207a.htm
- ^ The list is inspired by a similar list in Nordisk familjebok, Uppsala stift. Has external link below.
- ^ Heikkilä, Tuomas (2005), Pyhän Henrikin Legenda, SKS, ISBN 951-746-738-9. Page 60.
- ^ Article Gamla Uppsala, Nordisk Familjebok, 1908
- ^ See [1]. Hosted by the University of Columbia. In Latin.
- ^ Article Ängel, in NF (1894)
- ^ Article Nils Alleson in Nordisk Familjebok, 1887
- ^ Article Olov Björnsson in Nordisk Familjebok, 1888
- ^ Article Petrus in Nordisk Familjebok, 1915
- ^ Article Birger Gregersson, in Nordisk Familjebok, 1906
- ^ Article Henrik Karlsson in Nordisk Familjebok, 1909
- ^ Article Johannes Magnus, in Nordisk Familjebok, 1910
- ^ Article Abrahamus Andreæ Angermannus, in Nordisk Familjebok, 1904
- ^ Article Rosén von Rosenstein, Karl in Nordisk Familjebok, 1916
- ^ Article Holström, Hans in Nordisk Familjebok, 1909
- ^ Article Reuterdahl, Henrik in Nordisk Familjebok, 1916
- ^ Article Sundberg, Anton Niklas in Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon, 1906
- ^ Article Yngve Brillioth on Swedish Wikipedia, and Martling, Kyrkohistoriskt Personlexikon
- (Swedish) page 1271, article Uppsala ärkestift, Nordisk familjebok (1920)
- (Swedish) page 1264 article Ärkebiskop, Nordisk familjebok (1922).
- (Swedish) Uppsala stift, Nordisk familjebok
- Svea Rikes Ärkebiskopar, Uppsala, 1935
[edit] See also
- History of Sweden
- List of Archbishops of Uppsalade:Liste der Erzbischöfe von Uppsala
sv:Lista över Sveriges ärkebiskopar

