The first week of April was marked by a Face to Face Members Meeting in Bergen, Norway, organised by FRH, in partnership with the Diocese of Bergen. The Face to Face meeting included exchanges and presentations by members and local partners as well as study visits to Bergen’s religious heritage sites and University Museum.
These meetings, organised on a regular basis exclusively for FRH members, enhance the role of our network as a platform where members meet, network and exchange ideas, information and practices.
On the first day of the meeting, FRH members began with a study visit to the Nykirken (New Chuirch) now Bergen’s ‘children’s cathedral’, hosted by dean Gudmund Waaler, arts advisor Ragna Sofie Grung Moe and youth cantor Eirik Breivik Minde.
T
he day continued with a meeting at the Bergen Diocese, where local partners presented projects such as the ‘Reformation city 2017’, the Bergen1517 initiative and the ‘pilgrimsleden’ (pilgrim’s path). This was followed by presentations by FRH members, who showcased their organisations and projects aimed at promoting and safeguarding Europe’s religious heritage.
After the very interesting meeting in the morning, the afternoon study visit followed the tour of the www.Bergen1517.com initiative, with Justin Kroesen (University Museum of Bergen) and various members of the Bergen church administration guiding the group. The route included a visit to the former cathedral, St Mary’s church, the Holy Cross church, the cathedral and the remnants of Nonneseter abbey church.
In the evening, FRH members were invited to a reception dinner at the ‘Tracteursted’, a restaurant in the UNESCO-listed ‘Bryggen’, hosted by officials of the City of Bergen and the Diocese of Bergen.
The second day of the meeting began with a guided visit to the wonderful church art collection at the , where participants had a chance to see Norwegian masterpieces from the 13th and 14th century.
The afternoon members meeting started with presentations by members, followed by an overview of FRH’s activities in the past year. This was followed by a reflection on FRH projects, reflections with members and membership building.
We would like to thank all the members and participants who joined us in Bergen for great presentations and discussions. We are also very grateful to Justin Kroesen, Ragna Sofie Grung Moe and her colleagues from the Diocese of Bergen for their dedication and invaluable help in organising this visit.
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