With Dreadlocks and Yoga, Oslo’s Bishop Practices an Atypical Evangelism

New Lutheran Bishop Attracts Youth With Unconventional Style

Sunniva Gylver, the recently appointed bishop of Norway’s largest diocese, has quickly become a cultural sensation in Oslo. Clad in dreadlocks and often seen leading a yoga session before Sunday services, she blends contemporary lifestyle choices with a centuries‑old theological tradition.

Rather than relying on formal sermons alone, Bishop Gylver invites teenagers and young adults to gather in community spaces, where she combines mindful breathing exercises with discussions on biblical justice. “The message of the Gospel is timeless, but the way we share it must speak to the lives people lead today,” she told a group of university students after a meditation circle.

A Message Rooted in Justice

At the heart of her ministry is a focus on social equity. Gylver emphasizes that the Christian call to love one’s neighbor translates into concrete actions: supporting refugees, combating climate change, and advocating for gender equality. She cites the prophet Isaiah: “Seek justice, correct oppression, defend the rights of the vulnerable,” positioning it as a rallying cry for the modern congregation.

Her approach has resonated with younger worshippers who often feel alienated by traditional church rituals. Attendance at the cathedral’s evening gatherings has risen by 27 % since she took office, and a new “Justice Café”—a weekly forum for dialogue and activism—has become a popular hub for students and activists alike.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Critics within the church hierarchy voice concern that Gylver’s style borders on the “secular.” Yet she argues that authenticity, not conformity, best honors the Gospel. “Wearing dreadlocks or practicing yoga is not a rebellion against faith; it’s a bridge that connects the ancient word to the lived experience of today’s generation,” she explained during an interview on NRK.

Even as she challenges aesthetic norms, Gylver remains firmly rooted in Lutheran doctrine. She continues to lead the traditional liturgy each Sunday, ensuring that the sacraments and hymns that define the church’s heritage are preserved.

Looking Forward

With her blend of spiritual depth and cultural relevance, Bishop Gylver hopes to inspire a broader movement across Norway’s churches. Plans are already underway for a national conference on “Faith and Youth,” where clergy will share strategies for engaging the next generation.

As Oslo’s skyline glitters with the promise of a new era, one thing is clear: the bishop’s dreadlocks and yoga mats are more than a fashion statement—they are symbols of a church eager to meet people where they are, while still pointing them toward a timeless call for justice.