Norway’s state church votes in favour of same-sex marriages

CP37051026
Kristin Gunleiksrud Raaum talks to the Norwegian Church Council on Monday April 11, 2016, in Trondheim, Norway, after she was elected as their new leader. The Norwegian church approved gay marriage on Monday . (Ole Martin Wold / NTB scanpix via AP ) NORWAY OUT

HELSINKI – In a major ecclesiastical turnaround, a large majority of Norway’s church synod have voted in favour of same-sex marriages.

Of 115 synod members present at the Church of Norway’s council, 88 voted in favour, meaning that the state church will adopt provisions for marrying same-sex couples at its meeting next year and make it part of its official liturgy.

Monday’s decision, however, allows clergy members who disapprove of same-sex marriages to refrain from performing such ceremonies.

The church described the vote as “a historic decision that marks a shift in the church’s teaching on marriage.”

The Evangelical-Lutheran Church is the Scandinavian country’s largest church to which more than 70 per cent of the 5.1 million people belong.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles