The Smyrna congregation in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been fined 75,000 kronor for distributing food bags to the needy without proper registration.

This decision, based on food safety regulations, has sparked public outrage and led to a successful fundraising campaign.

The fine was imposed by the city's environmental department, which stated that the church failed to comply with legal requirements for food distribution.

Despite the fine, the community rallied, raising double the amount needed to cover the penalty.

Elisabet Lann, a local councilor, criticized the fine as excessive for a non-profit initiative, highlighting the moral dilemma of penalizing charitable acts.

The church, unaware of the need for registration, has since submitted the necessary paperwork to comply with regulations.