Homosexual student priest unwanted
Norges Kristelige Student- og Skoleungdomslag (NKSS), a Norwegian union of Christian students, do not wish to hear the recently employed Nils Jøran Riedl preach. “This is discrimination on the basis of sexual persuasion,” Åste Dokka, leader of the Norwegian Student Christian Movement (NKS), says.
På norskOslo Bishopric Council appointed Nils Jøran Riedl as student priest at the University of Oslo (UiO) on 20 June 2005. Riedl has a homosexual partner and this is why NKSS disagree as to the appointment of both him and other student priests who share his views.
“We recommend that priests who are in favour of homosexual partnerships not be appointed,” General Secretary of NKSS Kåre Rune Hauge says.
He stresses that this is not a personal attack on Riedl. However, it is a matter of theology.
“Our community is open for everyone, including individuals of a homosexual persuasion,” Hauge amplifies.
“Is it out of the question to use Riedl as a speaker in a scientific forum?”
“I will not exclude it, nor will I comment on it,” Hauge says.
Human Rights
“I think it is very sad that NKSS do not wish to support Riedl but it is not unexpected. After all, they would not allow female priests less than a year ago. This goes to show how they think, and I urge people to consider them accordingly,” Åste Dokka says.
“This is a clear indication of how theology works in practice. In my opinion, this is utterly discriminating towards an individual of another sexual persuasion,” Dokka concludes.
Hauge does not wish to comment.
Riedl shares Dokka’s view:
“The issue at hand is fundamental human rights. NKSS define who are worthy of communication. Their implications towards homosexuals are not worthy of a Christian student union.”
Riedl’s own impression is that his persuasion does not come between him and the students.
“The response I have got from my colleagues, the council for the student parish and students is exclusively positive.”
“Welcome”
Riedl is welcomed by his colleagues Valborg Orset Stene, student priest at Oslo University College, and Inger Anne Natestad, student priest at UiO. On Sunday 21 August, they are both taking part in Riedl’s inaugural service.
“We wish his expertise as to both life experience and professional competence will be well-received,” Naterstad says.
They both consider the standpoint of NKSS to be “sad”.
“Students decide for themselves who to put their trust in,” Naterstad says and also underlines that Riedl is ordained and that the view of NKSS contradicts that of the Norwegian Church.
