The Clapham Institute

The Clapham Institute is Sweden’s leading Christian think tank. Our published material in English can be found under this category.

Our theological base is the Lausanne Covenant, and our main historical source of inspiration is William Wilberforce and the original Clapham group in London, which gathered 200 years ago to work consistently for the Christian faith and for Biblical values in society. Wilberforce is most known for his battle against the slave trade, but he also saw other areas in the nation in need of reformation.

We see the same need today in Sweden – arguably the most secular-individualistic nation in the world. Not even William Wilberforce could impact his country all by himself, those who gathered needed each other. And their work goes on. In 2008, about seventy Christian leaders gathered in Parliament in Stockholm to found the Clapham Institute, under then-director Tuve Skånberg, MP and member of the Standing Committee of the Constitution.

The Institute has since then published almost one article per week in national, local and Christian press. We have published books, and regularly hold seminars at Sweden’s most well-known political hotspots. Our production and different resources in text, lectures and films can be found in Swedish here at our website.

In 2016, Per Ewert, author and scholar in political history and secularization took over as director at the institute. Since then, Clapham has also begun publishing research reports; one on the Oregon model for physician-assisted suicide; two about the role of religion and confession in school, one about Christian denominations’ view on Israel; one about the challenge that Islam constitutes for democratic rights and freedoms; and one on the content of Stockholm Pride, and its consequences for public health. An English abstract of the latter report can be found here.

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There have most certainly been times and cultures that have been more positive towards Christianity than 21st century Sweden, but this makes it all the more important with a living, devout organization that takes up the calling to proclaim truth and the kingdom of God. These factors have changed nations before. We believe it could happen again.

For those within the EU who wish to support our work, our bank information is:

For those outside the EU, please mail info@clapham.se for further information on how to support. All such help could be a good mission investment in a nation where the gospel is very much needed.