Diocese of Visby facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Diocese of Visby Diocesis Visbiensis Visby stift
Arms of the diocese of Visby
Location
Country	Sweden
Deaneries	3 kontrakt
Coordinates	57°38′30″N 18°17′52″E / 57.64167°N 18.29778°E / 57.64167; 18.29778
Statistics
Parishes	20
Congregations	42
Information
Denomination	Church of Sweden
Established	1572
Cathedral	Visby Cathedral
Current leadership
Bishop	Erik Eckerdal
Metropolitan Archbishop	Martin Modéus
Map
Website
svenskakyrkan.se/visbystift

The Diocese of Visby (called Visby stift in Swedish) is a special area within the Church of Sweden. It covers the entire island of Gotland, which is a large island in Sweden. The main church for the diocese is Visby Cathedral, located in Visby, the biggest town on Gotland.

The Bishop of Visby has an important job. Besides leading the church on Gotland, they also look after the Church of Sweden Abroad (SKUT). This means they help Swedish churches and communities that are located in other countries around the world.

What is a Diocese?

A diocese is like a church district or region. It's an area that a bishop is responsible for. The bishop is a leader in the church who helps guide the parishes and people in that area.

Bishops of Visby

The Diocese of Visby has had many bishops since it was created in 1572. These bishops have guided the church and its members on Gotland for centuries.

• The first bishop was Moritz Christensen Glad, who started in 1572.
• The current bishop is Erik Eckerdal. He became bishop in 2023.

Bishops play a key role in the church. They lead services, teach about faith, and help manage the church's activities. They also work to support the communities they serve.

Churches on Gotland

Gotland is home to many beautiful and historic churches. These churches are important places for worship and community gatherings. Many of them have been around for a very long time.

See also

• Churches on Gotland
• List of church ruins on Gotland