The Kven association has worked on Kven church life for many years, and the Church Meeting's decision is the first step toward a structural change. The Kven people have traditionally had a very close relationship with the church and faith, and their hymn tradition is a rich and visible part of the cultural heritage. When Kven church life gets its own committee, it will strengthen the visibility of this cultural heritage throughout the church and society.
Harald Hegstad, leader of the Church Council, says the committee will be an advisory body that, among other things, provides input on how the church works with the Kven and ensures employees have competence in Kven language, culture, and tradition. He adds that the decision does not mean the committee is in place immediately, but rather reflects the church's intention to establish such an organ, with a proposal likely at the Church Meeting in a couple of years. A temporary committee has been established to design the permanent organ, with a mandate to begin work soon.
The temporary committee includes Rune Sundelin, deputy leader of the Norwegian Kven Association, and Kai Petter Johansen, the association's former leader. According to Kristin Mellem, it is a group that will work for two years to design a new Kven space in the ancient church. Specific activities for the permanent committee and how the temporary committee's recommendations will shape it remain unclear, as does the exact timeline beyond a couple of years and the resources to be allocated.