Knut Refsdal is our new Bishop

The Rev. Knut Refsdal, a pastor in Norway, has been elected as a United Methodist bishop by the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference.

Refsdal, 55, was elected April 4 by delegates meeting in Copenhagen. After seven hours and on the 26th ballot, he received 30 votes out of 40 valid votes cast. He needed 27 to be elected.

“I feel first and foremost a sense of gratitude for the trust that the church has shown me,” Refsdal said upon his election.

“I have mixed feelings right now. I am overwhelmed, tired and grateful. … It is a privilege to be part of the church’s leadership. I believe we have many opportunities in the time ahead, and I have great expectations. The church is a movement of hope, a hope that we bring to the world.

“We are entering a time of change in the Methodist landscape in Europe, and we want to work for a closer community. If we want to come together in a single central conference, I think that could be a good challenge for us.”

Asked if he has a Scripture that has followed him, Refsdal says that he has carried Psalm 37.5 with him since he was 15 years old. "Commit your way to the Lord! Trust in him, and he will act.”

Refsdal will lead the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Episcopal Area, succeeding Bishop Christian Alsted, who is retiring. Refsdal is scheduled to take office May 25.