Records of the Church of Sweden Mission

Copies of minutes of Mission Executive and Board, 1973-82; copies of newsletter, 1975-84.

The Church of Sweden Mission was founded in 1874 and has since then been the extended arm of Church of Sweden in its mission in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The first missionaries of Church of Sweden Mission went to South Africa and India in 1876. They were soon followed by others who set out for Zimbabwe, China and Tanzania.

The churches that were built up with the help of Church of Sweden Mission at the beginning of the 20th century are now independent and have their own leadership. During recent years the Mission has also established forms of co-operation with other churches and Christian organizations. One of the objectives of Church of Sweden Mission is to decrease the financial dependency of the churches with which it works and to increase the influence these churches can exert over the priorities of the Mission. The goal is mutual benefit and equality in relationships.

Reference: The Church of Sweden Mission, History ( http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/skm/skmeng.htm ). Accessed April 2002.

Open. Access to all bona fide researchers. All papers held at the Orchard Learning Resources Centre will be viewed at the Birmingham University Information Services, Special Collections Department. Please contact the University Archivist for further information.

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Following the merger of the Selly Oak Colleges and the University of Birmingham in 1999 the custodial ownership of collections belonging to the Selly Oak Colleges and held at the Orchard Learning and Resource Centre (OLRC) was transferred to the University. These collections now form part of the University's Special Collections Department and are available for consultation at the Main Library on the University's Edgbaston Campus.

The University of Birmingham, Special Collections Department holds a rich collection of archives relating to missions, charities and other religious and ecclesiastical organisations and individuals.