Sweden: Household Examination Protocol

Back to Sweden: Household Examination Records (Husförhörslängder)

1. The priest should begin at the set time of 9 o'clock and should never prolong the session beyond 2 p.m.

2. The session should begin with Morning Prayer, Our Father, and a Blessing.

3. If the people are not gathered by 9 o'clock the prayer should be postponed, and the priest should begin to take the roll of those who are on time (while the rest of the people gather). When this is done, a roll call from the clerical survey should begin for every person within the rote. When the roll call is complete, the group should be asked if they are aware of anyone who is residing in the rote that was not mentioned in the roll call.

4. All the children and the youth should be questioned with and without the book. Doing this should save some time, hopefully leaving 2 hours to explain the catechism.

5. Make note on a separate piece of paper, after the reading and reciting is done, which 2 children read the best in the rote. They should be asked from the pulpit to go to the priest's home and draw a lot for one or two bibles which should be given to the nicest.

6. Note in the margin if a person is found to be especially unable and unprepared in either reading or understanding.

7. Except for what in general should be enforced concerning the usefulness and purposefulness of true Christianity at the Household Examination, there should be special reminders about:


 * The harmful consequences of bearing false witness under oath.


 * Not allowing children to grow up without discipline or in laziness, or tolerate audacity, disobedience and stubbornness, along with restraint from all usage of evil speaking, wicked companionship, and not allow the use of strong drinks.


 * The importance to learn beautiful Psalms from the Psalm book by memory, even though the Catechism is a book of knowledge intended to teach the understanding of Christian knowledge, the Psalm book is on the other hand a book of devotion, actually serving edification, comfort, and encouragement for the heart in times of temptation or suffering.


 * The Hustavlan’s contents, where the particular civil duties for each of us in any condition are taught and which in the 4th commandment of the new Catechism are described.

8. A reminder to care of the sick, and to call for the priest early to hear uplifting words from him and if so desired, to partake of the Holy Communion.

9. Inquire, if any vagrant people are in the rote, and if any moved-in person who has not yet submitted his moving certificate, he is admonished to do it soon.

10. Making note of whose turn it is for keeping the church warm and clean for the upcoming year.