Oslo, Norway

Controversial state church

pastor resigns

Controversial Lutheran state shurch pastor Einar Gelius, pastor at the Vålerenga congregation in Oslo has resigned, following a week of specualtions that he might be fired by the diosese.

Gelius have several times over the past years been called before his bishops, criticised for his unconventional views of his own role as a pastor in the state church.

The situation came to a head a few weeks ago, when he published the book "Sex in the Bible" (Sex i Bibelen).

Oslo Bishop Kvarme said at the time that the book should never have been written. However, Gelius also received statements of support from people who felt it was important to bring up prejudices and taboos among Christians.

But it soon became clear that the conflict would be brought before a diosese meeting,  

Gelius was informed of this in a letter from Bishop Kvarme, according to public broadcaster NRK. The letter is also said to have mentioned earlier conflicts.

Earlier this week the pastor and his bishop met several times, and on Wednesday Pastor Gelius announced that he had resigned.

He said it had become impossible for him to continue "since his Bishop no longer wanted him".

Source: NRK/Norway Post