http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3541994a4560,00.html

Norwegian priest resigns from Miss Universe panel
16 January 2006

OSLO: The Church of Norway has forced a priest to resign from a panel set to judge bikini-clad women competing to be the country's Miss Universe contestant.


Einar Gelius, an Oslo Lutheran vicar, has said it was his right to do as he wished during his spare time, but church members said that as a clergyman he always represented the Church and should not be seen to be judging other humans.

"This competition represents a view of humans that is not in accordance with the Church's," said Arne Groeningsaeter, head of the Oslo diocese council, a state body that hires priests.

"The Church should preach that we are all equal and this competition's view of woman is particularly disturbing."

The panelists will judge 12 women between the ages of 17 and 22 in Saturday's televised show in order to choose a Norwegian contestant for the global Miss Universe final. The show's audience will get to choose which woman will become Norway's contestant for the Miss World competition.

The women will parade in front of the judges first in fashion wear, then in evening dress and finally in bikinis.

Gelius resisted pressure to resign for a week until he was asked to do so by the Bishop of Oslo.

"We have until 7 p.m. to find a replacement, but it shouldn't be too difficult," said beauty contest spokesman Geir Hamnes.

Would you have any reason to continue living if it were not for Norway? =P

I <3 you Geg, but I'm afraid I don't quite share your level of Norwegian appreciation.

I'm just in it for the metal and bitches man.

Well, one out of two aint bad...