The bishop apologizes for the confirmation speech of the parish priest

During a confirmation speech in Kautokeino, the parish priest issued severe warnings against homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion and divorce. Now the bishop apologizes.

The reactions to the speech of the parish priest Bjarne Gustad to the young people have been harsh, and now the bishop of Nord-Hålogaland regrets the statements. At the same time, the pastor is summoned for a hearing.

“I distance myself from the message the priest made in the service, it is not in line with what the church stands for. I would like to apologize to those confirmed and their families and guests,” said Bishop Olav Øygard of Nord-Hålogaland in a press release.

The bishop is supported by the president of the Church of Norway, Olav Fykse Tveit.

“The Bishop of Nord-Hålogaland is handling this matter in accordance with church procedures,” he said.

The pastor practically gave a thunderous speech to the youth, warning, among other things, that same-sex marriage is against God’s creation, that Norway has an “evil law” that makes abortion legal, and where he warned against women’s rights and that women have a particular responsibility for infidelity.

The priest has told VG that he will continue to address these issues in future speeches.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today