Quick Facts
Biography
Tore Johnsen (born 28 January 1969 in Østfold) is since 2009 the general secretary of the Sami Church Council, former leader of the council (2006–2009), and a central figure within Sami church life.
Background
Johnsen is a graduate from MF Norwegian School of Theology (cand.theol., 1997) and has completed the practical theological training (Practical theological exam, 1998), also from MF. He also graduated from the University of Oslo in Sámi and completed the specialisation programme of the Association of Ministers in the Church of Norway (SPP, comparable to the American D.Min.). Johnsen has also had a period of study at the theological study centre for indigenous studies Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, United Church of Canada.
Tore Johnsen has previously worked for the Norwegian Mission to the Sami people (1988–1993), Executive Officer for the Sami Church Council (1994–1995), minister in Tana og Nesseby Parish (1998–2005), acting Dean of Sami Ministry in Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland (2003, and 2007–09). He has also been a central person in the completion of a new Sami hymnal book (Sálbmagirjii II)
In 2005 Johnsen received the prestigious St. Olav Scholarship to write a new Sami contextual catechism for youths and young adults.