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"Shame, Pain, and Harm." The Church of Norway Issues Public Apology to LGBT+ People
The highest authorities of the Church of Norway in front of London Pub (16.10.2025). Fot. Bo Mathisen/Den norske kirke
The Church of Norway has issued a public apology to LGBT+ people, acknowledging the "shame, pain, and harm" they have experienced due to the institution's actions and attitudes. The highest authorities of the organization also thanked everyone who contributed to changes within its structures.
The choice of venue for the apology was symbolic. For nearly five decades, London Pub has been a safe space for LGBT+ people, and on June 25, 2022, it was the site of a terrorist attack during Oslo Pride. In the speech, it was emphasized that already in 2022, the Church recognized that the institution had caused pain and harm to LGBT+ people, and the current apology is a consequence of that position.
The bishops pointed out that they do not see this day as either the beginning or the end of the process, but as an important milestone. It was also noted that the apology goes hand in hand with ongoing dialogue with organizations and the community.
The bishops pointed out that they do not see this day as either the beginning or the end of the process, but as an important milestone. It was also noted that the apology goes hand in hand with ongoing dialogue with organizations and the community.
The Church of Norway Admits Its Mistakes
The speech listed specific areas where violations occurred: refusal to marry same-sex couples and a long-standing lack of prayer and blessings for such unions. Practices of excluding qualified individuals from work and volunteering in the Church due to their orientation or family life were also highlighted.
It was noted that HIV and AIDS were sometimes presented as a "divine punishment," legitimizing the stigmatization of people living with HIV and their loved ones. Attention was also drawn to the fact that church spaces are still not sufficiently safe for transgender people and those who do not conform to gender and relationship norms.
It was noted that HIV and AIDS were sometimes presented as a "divine punishment," legitimizing the stigmatization of people living with HIV and their loved ones. Attention was also drawn to the fact that church spaces are still not sufficiently safe for transgender people and those who do not conform to gender and relationship norms.
In recent years, a breakthrough was the participation of the highest authorities of the Church of Norway in the Oslo Pride parade.Photo: Bo Mathisen/Den norske kirke
How the Church of Norway Is Changing
The Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway, Olav Fykse Tveit, recalled institutional changes in recent years. In 2007, the Church allowed "homosexual people in partnerships" to be ordained and serve, and in 2016, it adopted the possibility of same-sex marriages within the Church.
In 2020, a report on the experiences of LGBT+ employees ("Å være en sak") was published, highlighting, among other things, the burdens related to minority stress. In October 2025, a report was presented on the experiences of transgender people in church communities. The bishops emphasized the Church's responsibility as an employer and the need to work towards a safe working environment.
In 2020, a report on the experiences of LGBT+ employees ("Å være en sak") was published, highlighting, among other things, the burdens related to minority stress. In October 2025, a report was presented on the experiences of transgender people in church communities. The bishops emphasized the Church's responsibility as an employer and the need to work towards a safe working environment.
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