Biskopens hemmelighet

Beskrivelse

Tomm Kristiansen is a popular author who has written many books about Africa. He now turns his attention to Norway in Biskopens hemmelighet.

In September 1972 Bishop Fridtjov Birkeli asked to retire from his position as Bishop of Oslo, on account of serious illness. Behind this apparently undramatic retiral a struggle was taking place which involved blackmail, lies, intrigue and passionate eroticism. The full story is now being told for the first time.

Birkeli was pushed out of his bishopric because he had a mistress. This is a story of love and betrayal. As a lively theology student Fridtjov had found a sweet-heart, the beautiful Astri Toft. They were in love, and Birkeli started his training as a missionary. They would go to the mission field in Madagascar together. Astri’s mother refused. She wouldn’t let her daughter die in Africa, and Birkeli faced a life-changing decision: vocation or love. He chose his vocation, and went alone. Thirty years passed, and each got married. But then they met, and could not be without each other. They arranged secret meetings in USA, Britain and Oslo.

Astri was proud of having caught the bishop at last, and she talked about their passionate meetings. Then a half-brother took a hand in events, with a letter to the senior bishops telling what Birkeli was up to. In the course of two dramatic days, Birkeli was out of office.

Biskopens hemmelighet is the gripping story of the great mission strategist Fridtjov Birkeli.