The Church of Norway has officially apologized to the LGBTQ community for years of discrimination and exclusion. The institution acknowledged that its past actions caused deep pain and lasting harm to gay and lesbian people. Church leaders also expressed gratitude to those who pushed for equality and change within the faith.
Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit delivered the apology during a special event at the London Pub in Oslo. The location held special significance as it was the site of a tragic shooting during the city’s Pride celebrations in June 2022, where two people were killed.
Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference, Tveit said the Church of Norway had imposed “shame, great harm, and pain” on many individuals. He added that such treatment should never have happened and that the apology marked a step toward healing. Tveit emphasized that society is stronger when people are free to love who they want, regardless of gender or orientation.
The apology follows a 2022 acknowledgment by Norwegian bishops that the Church had contributed to the suffering of LGBTQ people. In the 1950s, the Bishops’ Conference went as far as labeling gay people a “social danger of global dimensions.” The recent statement represents a significant shift from those views.
A special service was scheduled at the Oslo Cathedral following the apology. Today, same-sex couples can marry in ceremonies conducted by the Church of Norway, which is the largest faith community in the country.
The move mirrors similar actions by other Christian institutions worldwide. The Church of England issued an apology in 2023 for its “shameful” treatment of the LGBTQ community, although it still does not permit same-sex marriages in churches.
The Church of Norway’s apology highlights growing acceptance and respect for LGBTQ rights, signaling a more inclusive approach for the future.
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