– This is now a sacred forest. It is to protect the life that is there, says Ellen Hageman. Recently she went to Fredrikstad to marry Toftebergskogen. The forest is planned to be developed in favor of industry. The project could become one of the largest natural interventions in Norway. Hageman believes that we are in a serious nature crisis and that consecrating a forest sends a strong signal. – I believe that it can create an awareness that there are some limits that man has already exceeded in relation to nature and that we cannot continue with. She believes this is a tool the bishops in the church should adopt. Vårt Land and Fredriksstad Blad have previously discussed the case. news has been in contact with the developer’s press advisor. They do not wish to comment on the matter. Has taken part in actions Hageman is also an environmental activist in Extinction Rebellion (XR) and has previously been convicted of chaining himself to a tanker in connection with an environmental action on Sjursøya. She has also participated in other actions. In the past, she has also held a funeral for a forest where a motorway was to be built. She is also a board member in Rødt Midt-Telemark. Hagemann does not believe that the church should interfere in politics, but that the church is obliged to point out negative developments. – I honestly believe that very many people can have the experience that nature is sacred. This is a way of sanctifying a particular area to protect that area from vandalism, destruction and death. – Supports the intention – I don’t want to give Ellen an adult slap for doing it, says Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg. She is a bishop in Borg diocese. Alvsvåg will not give a clear yes or no answer as to whether she supports the consecration of the forest. BISHOP: Bishop of Borg diocese Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg after a debate about the consecration in Fredrikstad. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news – This is not a consecration that follows a liturgy like we do in church. She does this to symbolize that nature has a value and is sacred in itself. I support the intention to protect nature. Alvsvåg believes it is a deed that helps us understand that we cannot do anything with nature. – We need all forces, both those who go very far and do symbolic things that wake us up, and we need those who act through the systems and we need to stand together to bring about change. DEBATE: A debate was held about the dedication in which several people participated. Photo: Even Bjøringsøy Johnsen / news Can wedding ceremonies be a move to preserve nature? Absolutely. Sacred natural areas should be left alone I have no opinion on that No, the state and municipality decide whether nature should be touched or not Show result Good with loud opinions – Is she an environmental activist or is she a priest? And is it possible to be both equal? That is the big question, says Fredrik Andersen, who is a philosopher and associate professor at Østfold University College. He says he understands that some may react to the role mix. At the same time, he thinks it’s nice that a priest who thinks something about environmental protection means it strongly. Philosopher Fredrik Andersen believes that priests must be able to have clear opinions about environmental protection. Photo: Østfold University College / NMBU – I see no problem with that at all. In any case, I don’t see any contradiction in being a member of the church and believing in God, and thinking it is good that we have a functioning nature. Andersen says the consecration of the forest is about a question of values, and wonders what we are going to do with the church if those who work there are not to say anything about national values. – What should they be doing if they are not going to participate in political questions about valuables? Then they can start a sports association instead, it’s much more fun. The politicians in Fredrikstad are scheduled to take a final position on Viken Park during the next six months. Published 06.09.2024, at 12.14
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Priest consecrated Toftebergskogen in Fredrikstad – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
