The case in summary Parish priest Anne Marie Nystein in Notodden has come out as a lesbian, after hiding her orientation for most of her life. Nystein organizes a Pride service this year, and meets support from former skeptics, including her former professor and current Church Council leader, Harald Hegstad. Secretary General of the Queer Christian Network, Solveig Gjesdal, emphasizes that there has been a lot of discrimination against queers in the church, but that there is now increasing support and openness. Hegstad, who was previously opposed to same-sex marriage, has changed his view after seeing the consequences of his previous position. Nystein hopes that her openness will contribute to future queer Christians having an easier time with both their orientation and their faith. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. They walk towards each other with quick steps and end up in a good hug. – So nice that you could come, says Anne Marie Nystein, and wipes a tear behind her glasses. – It should just be missing, he replies. After 15 years they meet again. He was her theology professor during her studies, and they have not seen each other since she submitted her master’s thesis. He was the last person she had expected to see here today. At the Pride service at her church. Procession in with the rainbow flag. This is how the pride service is started. PHOTO: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news Surprised Already when she was 12 years old, she knew that she falls in love with women and not with men. Nevertheless, she has hidden her orientation from those around her. – I hid behind the church’s position, because I was afraid that people would know who I was, says Nystein. She was married to a man for 33 years. They had two children together, four grandchildren and have another one on the way. Three years ago, she finally told the truth about her orientation. Now she stands up for herself and other queer Christians, and last weekend she organized a rainbow fair in Notodden church. When her former professor said he would come and hold a Pride service with her, she was surprised. – I was surprised that he supports our cause, says Nystein, while his voice breaks a little. – Are you moved when you talk about it? – Yes, because it means so much. Little did the 12-year-old girl know that one day she would be an open lesbian and organize a rainbow fair in Notodden church. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news Changed view The opposition to queerness in the Christian community has long been strong. Only in 2017 was same-sex marriage allowed in the church. Nystein’s former professor is not just a professor. He is also church council leader in The Norwegian Church. 15 years ago, when Nystein was studying to become a priest, the professor was not particularly open to homosexuality in the church. He believed that cohabitation between two people of the same sex could not be defended within the framework of Christian ethics. – That was before I realized what consequences such a position has for many queers, says Harald Hegstad. When Hegstad understood that it is okay to be both queer and Christian, he sat down with the texts from the Bible. He believed that they had to be reinterpreted. Hegstad and Nystein take a selfie together as they enter Notodden church. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news – Great damage Solveig Gjesdal in Keivt kristen nettok believes that discrimination against queers in the churches has caused great damage in many people’s lives. – There are different opinions about homosexuality in the church, even to this day. Many queers find it burdensome and stressful, she says. Solveig Gjesdal is general secretary of the Queer Christian Network. Gjesdal therefore believes that the church must continue to work for more transparency. At the same time, she points out that they have come a long way in the direction of more tolerance. Last year, the Church of Norway decided that they will no longer discriminate against queers when hiring. – There are more and more people who support queers, who want a change and who work for it, says Gjesdal. – I feel almost saved – “God’s will”. What do you feel when you hear this? Hegstad asks the congregation in Notodden church. He stands on the lectern and looks out across the hall with seriousness in his eyes. – I think that many people have felt “God’s will” as difficult, especially many queer people, he says in a steady voice. Harald Hegstad and Anne Marie Nystein stand together for the rainbow mass in Notodden church. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news – It means a lot that a man with such great influence in the clergy of The Norwegian Church supports us, says Nystein. She is moved and proud of the pride service. Now the hope is that queer Christians of the future will have it easier both in their orientation and in their faith. – I almost feel saved, she smiles. Published 28.06.2024, at 12.14
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Priest Anne Marie received a special visit during the Pride service at Notodden – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
