It has taken between 30-40 years for the Southern Sami translation of the New Testament to be completed.
It was handed over in solemn forms in Staare/Östersund on Sunday.
– We have been able to lift this Bible and say now the language of God’s heart can speak to the language of the Sami heart – that is great, says Eva Nordung Byström, bishop of Härnösand diocese.
“There can be nothing greater in life”
The first to receive Orre’s testament were the chairmen of the Sami councils of the Swedish and Norwegian churches.
– This is actually the greatest thing you can be a part of, when you get a Bible in the language of your own heart, there can be nothing greater in life, Erik-Oscar Oscarsson, chairman of the Sami Council of the Church of Sweden.
On the Norwegian side of Sápmi, this is something that has been long awaited.
– Especially for this older generation that has experienced the Norwegianization policy and feels that they have lost a lot of their language, says May Bente Anita Jønsson, chairman of the Church of Norway’s Sami council.
A big day for the Southern Sami in the area
Close to 300 people had gathered to participate in the high mass. Many of them were Sami from the area.
Anna Gredander, a resident of Frösön, believes that through the language they can also assimilate the faith more easily.
– The fact that God’s word is conveyed in one’s home language makes it easier to also get close to God’s word, says Gredander.
Nils Tomas Oskal lives in Rötviken and he believes that it is very important for the Southern Sami that the New Testament is now available in Southern Sami.
– It is a blessing for the whole people, says Oskal.