Norwegian Bishop Børre Knudsen died quietly in his home near Tromsø
Sunday morning, August 17, 2014,surrounded by his family. Norway’s most prominent
pro-Life leader had suffered worsening Parkinson’s Disease in recent
years. His passing sparked a wave of praise from Christian and even
secular publications across Norway. An editorial in the Christian daily
Dagen entitled “Heartfelt Thanks, Børre Knudsen” described him as “a
unique person. His warm heart, his gentle zeal and his steadfastness
stand as strong testimony to a life of selfless service for the Life
that God created.”
“When the history of our times is written,”
Dagen continues, “Børre Knudsen will be one future generations will hear
about. Knudsen’s struggle is not driven by opposition to women’s rights
or the preservation of traditional gender roles, but by a strong
commitment to protect life itself.”
Vårt Land writes, “Børre
Knudsen will go down in history as one of the most important churchly
personalities of our time, but both he and his family had to pay a high
price because he stood out front in the abortion battle.”
Bishop
Knudsen was known throughout Norway and beyond for his gentle demeanor
but uncompromising struggle against legalized abortion, beginning when
the Norwegian law was adopted in 1978. Protesting the law, he refused to
carry out government duties assigned to state church pastors, such as
keeping official records, and refused his salary, but continued his
pastoral service to his congregation.
Also, a movie, entitled A Priest and a Plague
has been made about his life. It was released in Norway and was shown
on nationwide television there a few days ago. It will be available in
this country in October.
HT to Chris Barnekov
Nice to learn about Knudsen early life. Thanks Peter for writing a brief description about him. He has always been one of my favorite Bishops. May his soul rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Brano Willis