Female Pastor and 15-Year-Old Boy

(Stockholm, Sweden) A 30-something female pastor with the Church of Sweden has been accused of engaging in a torrid love affair with a 15-year-old boy she met during a confirmation retreat in the summer of 2008.

The pair began a love affair in between prayer and other activities at the camp intended to prepare girls and boys for their rite of initiation into the church.

"I have never been so in love with another person," the pastor said, according to chapter documents.

Following the camp the pastor and the boy travelled together on an autumn trip to Taizé in France on a tour of monasteries organized by their congregation in the Stockholm area.

The nature of the relationship between the woman and the boy became known during this trip.

Colleagues of the pastor reported the affair in February 2009 and the Stockholm Cathedral Chapter opened an investigation into her conduct.

It appears that no criminal wrongdoing is being considered, however, the Stockholm Cathedral Chapter of the Church of Sweden is considering disciplinary action.

I get the impression that the Swedes don't get very charged up about child sex abuse. Reporting of the story has been rather blasé while referring to it as a "love affair."

Tip: Barry ~