Lutheran World Federation welcomes Iceland's first female bishop
Written by ENI Thursday, 19 July 2012 02:48
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge called the installation of Bishop Agnes M. Siguroardottir, Iceland's first female bishop, an affirmation of the leadership role women play in the church, according to an LWF news release.
"We celebrate your ordination as a bishop in the memory of Jesus' commissioning women disciples to become his followers and partaking in God's mission to the world," said Junge in a congratulatory greeting conveyed on behalf of the LWF by Bishop Jana Jeruma-Grinberga, Lutheran Church in Great Britain, on 24 June.
In baptism, every Christian was called and empowered for participation in this mission, Junge added in his remarks.
In her consecration sermon, Siguroardottir emphasized that all church members have a role to play, according to the release. "We are to serve God, the God who Jesus Christ revealed to us. This service is not meant for the few but for all [people], in all times," she said.
One of the main goals of the new bishop will be to attract more people to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, which has suffered losses in recent years. "We should do that with joy and interest, not just to raise the number, but because of the good message that we are entrusted with," she said.
Siguroardottir was elected with 64.3 percent of votes in a second round of elections. She succeeds Karl Sigurbjornsson, who retired at the end of June. The new bishop has worked with youth, as a parish pastor, and as regional dean.
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