BISHOP IN COURT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 15

BISHOP IN COURT

Poison Pen Charge (N .Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) STOCKHOLM, Aug. 20. A former bishop of the Lutheran State Church in Sweden will appear in the High Court today for a rehearing of the charge on which he was convicted of sending “poison pen" letteis about a rival in the church election. The former bishop. Dr. Dick Helander, was stripped of office nearly 10 years ago, but has continually attempted to clear himself. The trial, in which there will be three hearings a week, is expected to last until the end of the year. Dr. Helander intends to claim compensation for the tinancial loss resulting from his removal in January, 1854, from the Bishopric of Straengnaes, central Sweden. He was convicted by the Uppsala City Court in December, 1953, of sending anonymous letters to voting clergymen which defamed the character of a rival and another clergyman before the election to the bishopric which he won. Dr. Helander, former theology professor at Uppsala University, denied the offence and unsuccessfully appealed to the High Court. He has since published two books about his case. A new trial has been allowed as a result of new evidence he submitted.