Eivind Berggrav, Norwegian bishop and translator (b. 1884)

Eivind Josef Berggrav: A Pillar of Resistance and Ecumenical Leader

Eivind Josef Berggrav (25 October 1884 – 14 January 1959) was a profoundly influential Norwegian Lutheran bishop, best known for his courageous leadership as the Primate of the Church of Norway (Norwegian: Preses i Bispemøtet i Den norske kirke) during the harrowing Nazi occupation of World War II. His unwavering resistance against the totalitarian regime not only made him a national symbol of ecclesiastical defiance but also significantly shaped the course of Norwegian history. Beyond his pivotal role in wartime Norway, Berggrav was a key figure in the burgeoning 20th-century ecumenical movement and notably served as president of the United Bible Societies.

Early Life and Ascent in the Church of Norway

Born in the northern Finnmark region, Eivind Berggrav pursued theological studies, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a priest. His intellectual prowess and deep pastoral commitment saw him rise through the ranks of the Norwegian church, serving as a vicar and professor before being consecrated Bishop of Hålogaland in 1928. His leadership capabilities and theological insights were soon recognized, leading to his appointment as Bishop of Oslo and Preses i Bispemøtet i Den norske kirke – the President of the Bishops’ Conference – in 1937. This position effectively made him the spiritual head, or primate, of the state church in Norway, a role that placed him directly in the path of conflict when Nazi Germany invaded.

Leadership During Nazi Occupation: Unyielding Resistance

When Nazi Germany invaded Norway in April 1940, establishing Vidkun Quisling's collaborationist Nasjonal Samling (National Unity) regime, the Church of Norway became a crucial arena of resistance. The regime sought to control and Nazify all aspects of Norwegian society, including its deeply rooted state church. Eivind Berggrav, as Primate, quickly emerged as the leading voice of ecclesiastical defiance against these totalitarian ambitions.

• Theological Foundation for Resistance: Berggrav’s resistance was rooted in fundamental theological principles, asserting the Church’s spiritual independence from state control when the state became an instrument of injustice. He, along with other bishops, vociferously protested against the regime's attempts to infiltrate and control church life, condemning the indoctrination of youth through the Nasjonal Samling’s youth movement and the harassment of clergy.
• The "Kirkens Grunn" (The Church's Foundation) Document: In 1941, Berggrav was instrumental in drafting this foundational document. It articulated the church's spiritual authority and independence from an oppressive state, serving as a theological justification for active resistance.
• The "Hyrdebrev" (Pastoral Letter) of 1942: This powerful letter, co-authored by Berggrav and other bishops, was read from pulpits across Norway on Easter Sunday 1942. It explicitly condemned the regime’s violations of justice, human rights, and the church’s spiritual freedom. In an unprecedented act of civil disobedience, the bishops announced their resignation from their state-appointed administrative functions, refusing to serve a regime that fundamentally undermined Christian principles, while steadfastly reaffirming their spiritual offices and pastoral duties to their congregations.
• Mass Clergy Resignations: Following the bishops' courageous stand, over 90% of Norway's clergy resigned their state-salaried positions in protest. This widespread solidarity effectively created a "parallel church" structure that continued to minister to the people outside the direct control of the collaborationist government, severely crippling the regime's efforts to co-opt the church.

Berggrav's unyielding stance against totalitarianism led to his arrest by the Gestapo in April 1942. He was subsequently placed under house arrest at his family farm in Asker, where he remained for the duration of the war. Despite his confinement, Berggrav continued to play a pivotal, albeit clandestine, role in coordinating the church's resistance efforts, communicating secretly with other church leaders and the broader Norwegian resistance movement. His resilience and defiance became a powerful symbol of hope and national unity for the occupied nation.

Post-War Leadership and Global Ecumenical Contributions

Following Norway's liberation in 1945, Eivind Berggrav immediately resumed his full duties as Preses of the Church of Norway, leading its reconstruction and healing processes. His international stature, solidified by his wartime courage and moral authority, made him a natural leader in the burgeoning post-war global ecumenical movement. He was a significant figure in the founding of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948, an organization dedicated to fostering Christian unity and cooperation worldwide. Berggrav served on its Central Committee and played a crucial role in shaping its early theological and humanitarian agenda, consistently emphasizing reconciliation, peace, and justice in a world scarred by war.

Beyond his involvement with the WCC, Berggrav served with distinction as the president of the United Bible Societies (UBS) from 1949 to 1954. The UBS is a global fellowship of Bible societies committed to making the Bible available, affordable, and understandable to everyone, regardless of language or location. Under his influential leadership, the organization significantly expanded its crucial work of translating, publishing, and distributing Bibles and related scriptures across diverse languages and cultures globally, reinforcing the accessibility of religious texts worldwide.

Legacy of Eivind Josef Berggrav

Eivind Josef Berggrav's legacy endures as a testament to moral courage, spiritual leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice. His pivotal role in the Norwegian resistance cemented the Church of Norway's place as a guardian of national identity and human dignity during wartime. Simultaneously, his extensive contributions to the ecumenical movement helped lay the groundwork for greater understanding and cooperation among Christian traditions worldwide. Berggrav's life embodies the power of principled resistance and the enduring importance of faith in advocating for human rights and universal values.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eivind Josef Berggrav

Who was Eivind Josef Berggrav?

Eivind Josef Berggrav was a highly influential Norwegian Lutheran bishop who served as the Primate of the Church of Norway. He is primarily known for his courageous and unyielding resistance against the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II and for his significant contributions to the international ecumenical movement.

What was Berggrav's role during the Nazi occupation of Norway?

As the spiritual leader of the Church of Norway, Berggrav spearheaded the church's organized resistance against the Nazi-backed Quisling regime. He famously led the bishops and most clergy in resigning their state-appointed administrative functions in protest of the regime's totalitarian policies, opting to maintain only their spiritual roles. This act of defiance made the Church of Norway a powerful symbol of national resistance.

What impact did Berggrav have on the ecumenical movement?

Eivind Berggrav was a pivotal figure in the post-World War II global ecumenical movement, working to unite Christian denominations. He was notably involved in the establishment of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948, serving on its Central Committee. His leadership also extended to the United Bible Societies, where he served as president, promoting the worldwide translation and distribution of the Bible.

When did Eivind Berggrav live?

Eivind Josef Berggrav was born on October 25, 1884, and passed away on January 14, 1959.