Tore Johnsen

Tore Johnsen is a contextually oriented Sámi theologian from Norway, who applies ethnographic, social science and historical approaches informed by Indigenous methodology. He is Associate Professor at VID Specialized University (Tromsø) where he teaches about truth and reconciliation. Johnsen holds a PhD in World Christianity (2020) from the Centre for the Study of World Christianity, University of Edinburgh, published as the scientific monography Sámi Nature-centered Christianity in the European Arctic: Indigenous Theology beyond Hierarchical Worldmaking (Lexington Book, 2022). He led the ReconTrans project (2020-2023), which investigated the notion and practice of ‘transformative reconciliation’ in the Norwegian TRC process comparatively, involving researchers from Norway, South Africa, Canada and Sweden. Johnsen’s research interests encompass Sámi Christianity, religiosity, and worldview; lived theology, indigenous theologies, and contextual theologies; public theology and ecotheology; the Norwegianization policy and truth and reconciliation processes in Sápmi and Norway in comparative perspective; and decolonization of Scandinavian Lutheran majority theologies, particularly in the context of Norwegian and Nordic 19th century nationalism. Johnsen's professional work is characterized by proximity to the field of practice, based on previous experience as a Lutheran priest in the North Sámi area (1998-2009), general secretary of the Sámi Church Council (2009-2016), head of the World Council of Churches' reference group for Indigenous Peoples (2015-2018), and special advisor on reconciliation to the Church of Norway (2024-2025).

Decolonization
Sami religion
Contextual Theology
Lived religion
Reconciliation
Political reconciliation/peace processes
Truth commissions
Indigenous theologies
Lutheran theology
Transitional justice
Indigenous peoples' research
Sami theology
Public theology
Ecotheology
The Norwegianization policy
Indigenous issues
Sámi religiousity and world view