A SWEDISH Lutheran church began its three-mile journey to a new location on Tuesday, as part of the Arctic town of Kiruna’s relocation to escape subsidence.

Kiruna Kyrka, established in 1912 and influenced by Sami huts and Norwegian stave churches, was once voted one of the country’s best-loved buildings. It is being rolled on giant trailers over the course of two days, to a new city centre because of the risk of subsidence posed by the world’s largest iron-ore mine.

It was first blessed by the Bishop of Luleå, the Rt Revd Åsa Nyström, and the church’s pastor, the Revd Lena Tjärnberg, who told The Times that it was inextricably linked with the mine, with its entrance built deliberately low, like a mine shaft, so that those entering would have to stoop.

“LKAB gave us the church,” she said. “The idea from the beginning was that it would be a church that was for everyone, including the miners. So there would be a low threshold to enter. And I think you notice that when you are in the church.”

The Church of Sweden, disestablished in 2000, is responsible for 3400 buildings, whose upkeep is supported by the State. Just over half the population — 53 per cent — are members.

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