How a Church Was Stopped From Becoming a Mosque

Two Muslim organizations submitted the highest bids for a church in Växjö. Despite this, the seller chose a different buyer. It is now clear that the building will continue to be used for Christian activities.

When Västrabokyrkan was put up for sale at the end of 2024, the highest bids came from two Muslim organizations. However, the EFS Association (Evangeliska Fosterlands-Stiftelsen) had already decided, prior to the sale process, to prioritize a buyer who would continue to conduct Christian activities on the premises, reports The Church Newspaper.

– The EFS in Växjö had decided at its annual meeting to recommend a Christian-run organization even before contacting the real estate agent, ", says Barbro Tyrberg, chair of the EFS Association.

Instead, the church is being sold to the Romanian Orthodox congregation in Växjö, following a sales process that has been underway for some time.

The purchase is being financed by Romania

The Romanian Orthodox congregation receives most of its funding through government grants from Romania. According to the priest Laurențiu Drăghicenoiu The support is part of a system through which the Romanian government assists Orthodox parishes outside the country's borders.

– We have received government grants that cover 95 percent of the cost, which means there is a lot of paperwork to submit, he says.

He also states that the congregation has long been looking for a church of its own and sees the purchase as an opportunity to expand its activities.

”Fantastic”

According to the EFS, many members of the congregation have expressed their delight that the church building will continue to be used for Christian worship services and other church activities.

– Things are going well now, but the move was very difficult for a great many people, and many think it's fantastic that the building can still be used by a Christian organization, ", says Barbro Tyrberg.