Hope Cathedral

April 2021

“A game changer on global level”

The corona keeps us on our toes. It gives us problems and challenges. It makes us think outside the box. We have a cathedral to finish building, preferably before the summer. Despite problems, our work sessions have continued. The volunteers have come, albeit fewer than usual, turning up with face masks, gloves, their own coffee cup and a packed lunch. The construction site is airy and people have been able to keep a good distance from each other. Those who come enjoy themselves. The materials for the roof and the entrance are oiled and planed. It’s going to look great. During a meeting with UNEP and Faith for Earth, we received a verbal energizer from leader Dr Iyad Abumoghli, who said that the Hope Cathedral is unique in its interfaith approach, and is a “game changer on a global level”. So, in the midst of the global pandemic, we feel lucky and grateful for both positive feedback and safe weekly voluntary sessions. The sun shines every Wednesday.

Workshop with Tonje

In April, boat builder Tonje Havstad came from Bergen to lead a weekend workshop at the Hope Cathedral, but due to the corona it had to be cancelled. However, a great volunteer work group worked so the wood shavings flew, removing bark, planing, tarring – and chatting. Volunteers came and made coffee and pancakes, to the delight of both the work group and other visitors to Isegran.

The wreath of hope

Using branches left over from Kjærlighetseika (The Love Oak) in Fredrikstad’s cathedral park, inventor Erik Alfred Tesaker has created a wreath that will hang in the Hope Cathedral. Park manager Inger Hilmersen knows a thing or two about trees, for example that the oak could be cared for instead of being felled, and since Erik Alfred is so brilliant at using what he can find to create something beautiful and lasting, the cathedral has received a "wreath" made of branches that would otherwise have gone waste. The Wreath of Hope, as we’ve called it, will hang in the open space of the cathedral as a symbol of cooperation. The wreath will have its own decoration program and will be decorated according to what is going on in the cathedral. Weddings, Christmas, World Environment Day… there will be many such occasions, and we’re looking forward to them. Read the lovely article about this in Dagsavisen.

Collaboration with Faith for Earth

The Hope Cathedral is a proud partner of the UN Environment Program UNEP and the organization Faith for Earth. The cathedral’s inauguration on 5 June, which is also World Environment Day, will also be streamed on their channels. In the establishment phase, the Hope Cathedral will work to be certified as one of the world's many thousands of "Green sacred places". The Hope Cathedral’s interfaith roots are unique in the world and as we mentioned in the introduction, Dr Iyad Abumoghli (leader of Faith for Earth) describes the our cathedral as "a game changer on a global level". In a hectic phase of the project, such contributions are both gratifying and inspiring.

Three about the Hope Cathedral

By Julian Fjeldberg

Cathrine Eriksen (51)

Have you heard of the Hope Cathedral? - Yes I have. What do you think about the project? - I think that the project is a valuable contribution to the current environmental discourse and, at the same time, a social initiative that gets people involved. I love the project. Do you follow them on social media? – Yes, on Facebook

Camilla Fjeldberg (47)

Have you heard of the Hope Cathedral? - Yes, I’ve heard about the Hope Cathedral on Isegran. What do you think about the project? - I think the project is great, and I can see that they take good care of everyone who comes and supports them. Do you follow them on social media? - Yes, I am often check in on their Facebook page.

Luna Kekstaite (15)

Have you heard of the Hope Cathedral? - No I haven’t. What do you think the Hope Cathedral is? - I can hear right away that it is a cathedral, maybe the hope is because everyone should have a hope? * Explains what it is * Is this something you would like to follow more of? - Yes, it sounds like something I’ll definitely follow up and look into.

The Hope Cathedral is an inter-faith and sustainable art project based in Fredrikstad. We are building a 120 m2 barge of wood which will support the Hope Cathedral. The framework is inspired by stave churches, while the 300 m2 roof will be built as an innovative project using plastic from the ocean. The cathedral will be a symbol of hope built through cooperation. The project is under the leadership of Borg Diocese. Both the process and the finished cathedral is open to all. 

Follow us on social media:

FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

Contact Anne Skauen anne@hopecathedral.no +4795912552 www.håpetskatedral.no