Mission group secures free, time-unlimited use of new church premises in Argir

A Christian mission organisation in the Faroe Islands has been granted free and indefinite use of part of a new church in Argir, according to a cooperation agreement with the local church council.

The deal, signed in December 2021 and since registered, ensures that the mission house’s activities can continue in the new church building. Under the terms, the mission organisation transfers its old premises to the church council as part of the new church’s financing, while securing continued access for its work.

The agreement grants the mission group a cost-free and time-unlimited right of use to the new church, to be formally recorded as a servitude or encumbrance on the property deed. The church council remains responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the premises, with detailed usage rules to be set in a separate regulation agreed by both parties.

The church council may terminate the agreement only if the mission group seriously neglects its obligations. The mission group, however, may cancel with six months’ notice.

Earlier this week, Faroese Minister of Culture Bárður á Steig Nielsen gave the Argir church council permission to proceed with constructing the new church, which will house both the congregation and the mission activities.

KVF reported it had sought comment from the minister on whether such an arrangement complies with regulations and if other groups in similar positions could strike comparable deals, but he was unavailable for response on Friday.