The Church and the people of Norway are looking forward to hosting the 12th CEC Assembly in the historical city of Trondheim.
Trondheim was founded by one of the so-called Christian Kings of
Norway, King Olav Tryggvason, in 997. The city is located on the
shore of one of the largest fjords in Norway, with the salmon river
Nidelven running through its centre. Trondheim has close to 150,000
inhabitants, and is a centre for administration, business and
technology. It is also a university city and has Norway's most
advanced research community in science and technology. At the same
time the city is part of a rich agricultural area surrounding the
Trondheim fjord.
Saint Olav, a true European.
Trondheim likes to see itself as the "Church Capital of Norway".
The shrine of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, is in the
historic Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the most important church
in Norway. Although Christianity already was in Norway and there had
been other Christian kings in the country, King Olav Haraldsson
(995-1030) is seen as the one who united Norway as one Christian
nation. This did not happen through a victory on the battlefield,
but through his martyrdom; he was killed in battle at Stiklestad.
After his death the people realised that he was a holy man, and he
has been venerated as a saint since 1031.
St. Olav is a saint for the One Church and is seen as an
ecumenical symbol. He stands for reconciliation, as he brought
different fighting groups of Norwegians together, and is seen as a
true European, as he was baptised in France, brought with him clergy
from England, and spent many years in Eastern Europe, especially in
Russia at the court of Prince Jaroslav, his brother-in-law. St. Olav
has become a beloved saint for many people, not only in Norway. In
the Middle Ages, the Cathedral which surrounds his shrine became a
difficult and dangerous goal for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Although pilgrimages and veneration of saints were prohibited after
the Lutheran reformation, St. Olav and pilgrimages are recognised
today in different ways as important for people's spiritual life.
Churches in Norway get ready to welcome the CEC Assembly.
However, not only the Bishop and Diocese of Nidaros and the City
of Trondheim are hosting the 12th CEC Assembly, but also
the Church of Norway. The Church of Norway is one of the largest
national Lutheran churches of the North, and the only church in
Norway with its own membership in CEC (the Norwegian Methodist are
members through their Northern Europe Central Conference).
About 86% out of a population of 4,5 million Norwegians belong to
the Church of Norway. In spite of its size, the church is very aware
of the importance of the other Christian churches in the country.
Through the Christian Council of Norway, which is one of CEC's
associated organisations, a good ecumenical contribution is ensured
for the preparation of the Assembly.
Moreover, this ecumenical council has challenged the other
ecumenical councils in the North to play an active role in the
preparation.
Rev. Berit Lånke
Assembly Organising Secretary
.JPG)
