The newly elected ECRL Moderator Revd Dr. Thomas Wipf visiting Oslo 19 – 21 August: “ECRL is the most representative platform for inter-religious dialogue and inter-action with European institutions and stakeholders. This platform has proven itself important, and will be ever more important in the future! ECRL is in many ways weak, but its strength is its mandate as a [...]

“We have higher goals!” – Statement from The Church of Norway Bishops` Conference gathered at Svalbard, Norway, June 15th 2012. The Church of Norway Bishops` Conference has visited Svalbard and experienced both the greatness and the vulnerability of nature. The Arctic is a barometer for the world`s climate. The dramatic climate changes are evident. During this journey the broad academic [...]

“Theology must claim its credibility in the Church, society and the academic community”. This was the general understanding of the 45 representatives of theological faculties and institutions at the consultation on “The future of theology in the changing landscapes of universities in Europe and beyond “ which was held in Granavollen, Norway, 5-7 June 2012. The Rev. Dr. Kaisamari Hintikka, [...]

The role and relevance of Christian theological studies in public and private universities, as well as seminaries was at the forefront of a recent three-day consultation in Granavollen, Norway. Some 45 representatives of theological schools and associations from around the world attended. The consultation was convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE), the Churches in [...]

On 21 May 2012, the Norwegian Parliament passed a constitutional amendment that granted the Church of Norway increased autonomy. The Parliament`s recent decisions loosen historical ties between institutions of State and the majority Lutheran Church, which date back to the 16th century. Appointment of Bishops One major consequence is that the responsibility for the appointment of bishops of Church of [...]

A Strategic plan for Sami church life in the Church of Norway was adopted by the Church of Norway General Synod in 2011. Its vision for Sami church life is: Dynamic and coequal – Sami church life in the Church of Norway. A dynamic and coequal Sami church life means participation in the life of the church by individual Sami [...]

Helga Haugland Byfuglien Installed as Presiding Bishop GENEVA, 7 October 2011 (LWI) – The President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan has pledged the support of Lutherans in Norway’s fight against hate, two and a half months after the shocking attack on Norway. Speaking at the installation of Helga Haugland Byfuglien as Presiding Bishop of [...]

Keynote address at Symposium in Oslo, September 19, 2011 by Rt Rev Helga Haugland Byfuglien, Presiding bishop, Church of Norway. Religious extremism – for some years this has been synonymous with radical Islam. At least in Europe. Several terrorist attacks over the past decade, from the Al Qaeda network and others, have made it easy to conclude that there is [...]

Fifteen leaders of dioceses and national church bodies in Norway, among them all 12 bishops of the Church of Norway, joined in common prayer on Wednesday morning 17 August at the Ecumenical Centre chapel in Geneva, Switzerland. They were joined in this act of worship by members of the Norwegian congregation in Geneva and staff of many church-related agencies including [...]

The Church of Norway wants to express its deep gratitude towards the international ecumenical fellowship for the prayers and support after the terror attacks in Oslo and at Utøya on the 22nd of July. From all over the world condolences were sent to the churches and people of Norway as soon as the terrible news was out. The strong support [...]