Church expertise in grief support vital for crisis teams, says pastor in Norway

The Church holds a unique expertise in grief support and can play a key role in municipal crisis teams, states senior pastor Sveinung Hansen. Statistics reveal that 51% of congregations across the country have established agreements to collaborate with local authorities on crisis intervention efforts. The Church serves as a crucial gathering place for individuals in mourning, especially during major disasters. Its capabilities include the need for ritualization, the use of symbols, and creating spaces for grief and despair.

Hansen emphasizes that the Church complements healthcare workers, filling an essential role within the community. The Church Council is currently focused on systematizing its emergency preparedness protocols and advocating for more municipalities to recognize the value of integrating Church expertise into their crisis teams.

Leonore Nesje Ødegård, a funeral consultant familiar with the victims of a recent tragedy in Torpo, notes that the Church has been vital in aiding the local community’s healing process. In response to the tragedy, a local service was held, showcasing the Church as a natural gathering spot for communal grieving.

Despite the positive contributions, there remains a gap, as only half of the congregations collaborate with municipal crisis teams. Nationally, around 600 congregations have formal agreements regarding collaboration.

Local leaders highlight the importance of the Church’s resources during crises, reinforcing its role as a neutral space for individuals to confront significant life changes. Variations in the level of collaboration among different dioceses underscore the need for ongoing efforts to create and formalize partnerships between the Church and community authorities in crisis management.