Unprecedented Move! Norway Abolishes State Church

**Padawanbater2** · 05-15-2012, 02:53 PM

First I've heard about this! The first country has officially decided to abolish their state religion!

In an unprecedented move, the Norwegian Parliament has voted to abolish the state-sponsored Church of Norway with a constitutional amendment.

The bipartisan measure to create a separation of church and state will officially be presented on Tuesday, reports Norway’s TV2. The nation will not have an official religion, and the government will not participate in the appointment of church deans and bishops.

Svein Harberg, the spokesman for the Church, Education, and Research Committee stated that the decision “is historic both for the Norwegian Church and for the politicians in Parliament.”

The Church of Norway began after the Lutheran Reformation in 1536, and was officially called the Lutheran State Church. The state meddled very little in church matters, only quelling unrest when it had to, chose high church officials, and financially supported the church. Opposition from secular groups arose in the 1970s when Norway’s economy boomed and the church benefited.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godandt...-state-church/

It's only a matter of time before the rest of Europe follows suit. Best news I've heard in a while!

**tyler.durden** · 05-15-2012, 04:58 PM

Very interesting and inspiring, Pad! Europe's all but there already, the positive trend continues and the zeitgeist spreads...

**MellowFarmer** · 05-18-2012, 12:10 AM

I love Norway! Too bad it's cold...

**st0wandgrow** · 05-18-2012, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by Padawanbater2

First I've heard about this! The first country has officially decided to abolish their state religion!

In an unprecedented move, the Norwegian Parliament has voted to abolish the state-sponsored Church of Norway with a constitutional amendment.

The bipartisan measure to create a separation of church and state will officially be presented on Tuesday, reports Norway’s TV2. The nation will not have an official religion, and the government will not participate in the appointment of church deans and bishops.

Svein Harberg, the spokesman for the Church, Education, and Research Committee stated that the decision “is historic both for the Norwegian Church and for the politicians in Parliament.”

The Church of Norway began after the Lutheran Reformation in 1536, and was officially called the Lutheran State Church. The state meddled very little in church matters, only quelling unrest when it had to, chose high church officials, and financially supported the church. Opposition from secular groups arose in the 1970s when Norway’s economy boomed and the church benefited.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godandt...-state-church/

It's only a matter of time before the rest of Europe follows suit. Best news I've heard in a while!

Maybe we will follow suit here in America too ...

**BA142** · 05-19-2012, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by st0wandgrow

Maybe we will follow suit here in America too ...

lol no way too many nutjob right wing evangelical's in this country....

**Carne Seca** · 05-19-2012, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by st0wandgrow

Maybe we will follow suit here in America too ...

umm... we don't have a state sponsored religion.

**MellowFarmer** · 05-20-2012, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Carne Seca

umm... we don't have a state sponsored religion.

We don't? Not on the book perhaps but quick- name the first Atheist Elected Official that comes to mind?

WHY are they calling Obama a Muslim ?

And Ron's Flock, you all spout off at taxes - Why on earth should I have to pay taxes when those crooks don't? They don't even have the respect to Launder it, they do it right out in the open as if to say

before they go back to

**st0wandgrow** · 05-21-2012, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by Carne Seca

umm... we don't have a state sponsored religion.

I beg to differ.

**Dislexicmidget2021** · 05-21-2012, 10:35 AM

I wonder what finaly triggered Norways governing body to make the move for abolishment,its great to see.It seems like the idea of a post christian or a post religious society could be a beneficial example for the world to see.We need it in the U.S. more than ever,What precipice do we need to overcome so that it could start here in the U.S.?