It could be a cold Christmas in the church, especially in the area with high electricity prices. But the politicians think they have now got the Christmas atmosphere in place in Norwegian churches. The government and the parliamentary majority have allowed NOK 30 million in electricity support, after 30 municipalities announced that they would lower the temperature in churches to save money. But what temperature awaits in January is highly uncertain. In Stedje church in Sogndal, they are grateful for what they get, but ask for a mild winter. – It is good news, but we are already NOK 170,000 over the electricity budget for 2022, says Magny Ugulsvik Bukholm in the Sogndal parish council. They operate one of the 1,034 churches which now receive interim current support from the government. But since the subsidy scheme is only interim, she does not know what awaits after the turn of the year. Had to turn down the temperature Several places have already lowered the temperature in the churches, such as in Oslo where in the autumn the temperature was lowered to 15 degrees. The reason is the electricity prices. – This has been demanding. At the same time, we have stood together on this throughout Oslo, and we have managed to secure the work in all the churches. That’s according to Kjell Haga, who is a churchwarden in Oslo. Kjell Haga, who is a churchwarden in Oslo. Photo: Kathrine Nygård The money from the state to ensure warmth at Christmas comes in handy. – They are very welcome. At the same time, the support is not large enough to cover all the additional costs, says Haga. They have decided to turn up the temperature in the churches to 19 degrees at Christmas. – This way we can ensure concerts, kindergarten and school visits, church services and all the good things that happen around Christmas. But then the temperature is turned down again, to 15 degrees. They are also considering closing some churches in January, February and March. Organist Arild Slinde in Stedje church did not wear gloves during the Christmas service this year. How much the church will receive in electricity support for next year is currently unknown. Photo: Ingrid Nedrebø / news Important with open churches The area south of Dovre and the Sognefjorden is the hardest hit by high electricity prices. In Sogndal, the expenses are already NOK 170,000 above the total electricity expenses last year, and there are still two cool months this year. Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe promises warm churches this Christmas. Photo: Mimsy Møller / Samfoto – It is important that the churches are open in the time we are now in, and especially towards December with Advent and Christmas and New Year celebrations, says Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe. Toppe says they have been concerned about the money getting out to the municipalities quickly. – The churches must be there for people, and that is also the reason why we have come up with this interim subsidy scheme. In Stedje church this autumn, they have experienced that it has sometimes been colder inside the church than outside. Photo: Ingrid Nedrebø / news Hoping for support next year too In Sogn, they are hoping for a mild winter, now they are trying to put together several events one after the other on the days when they have heated up the church, in order to make the most of the heat. – Sometimes it’s colder inside the church than outside when we arrive, says church steward Jorunn Merete Haukås-Eide. In Oslo, however, churchwarden Kjell Haga still hopes for Straum support in 2023. – We are working for the churches to come under government support schemes, which the voluntary sector receives. Toppe says she is aware of the problem. – Løyvinga now was long-awaited, but it is important for me to stress that it is far from enough, says Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe.
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Politicians ensure warm churches for Christmas – news Vestland
