Sändperioden
Sändperioden, also known as the Sending Period, is a term used in the context of the Swedish Church to describe the period between the death of a bishop and the election of a new one. During this time, the church is led by a temporary administrator, known as the vicar general, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church until a new bishop is elected. The vicar general is chosen by the chapter of the cathedral, which is a group of clergy members who have the authority to elect a new bishop. The Sending Period is an important time for the church, as it allows for a smooth transition of leadership and ensures that the church's operations continue without interruption. The length of the Sending Period can vary, but it typically lasts for several months. During this time, the vicar general works closely with the chapter and other clergy members to prepare for the election of a new bishop and to address any issues that may arise during the transition. The Sending Period is an important part of the Swedish Church's governance structure and helps to ensure that the church remains strong and united during times of change.