Lutheran Church in Norway joins government in criticizing Catholics and evangelicals’ stance on Christian views of sexuality and marriage

Lutheran churches in Norway have joined a coalition of Christian groups in expressing concerns about the promotion of queer theory and transgenderism among children. A joint statement signed by Pentecostals, Baptists, Evangelical Lutherans, and the Roman Catholic Church highlights a growing divide among Christian denominations in the country. The declaration affirms the traditional view of heterosexual marriage, opposes the promotion of transgender identity in youth, and criticizes surrogacy as a practice that undermines children’s rights.

The statement, issued by 36 organizations across various Christian traditions in the Nordic region, calls for respectful dialogue in a society that values diversity. It warns against governmental activism that seeks to impose certain agendas, arguing that such actions restrict freedom of conscience and religious liberty. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining open-mindedness while upholding core Christian beliefs about marriage and sexuality.

Journalist Tore Hjalmar Sævik notes that the media has not given significant attention to this public stance by conservative Christians. He explains that discussions within denominations and congregations rarely receive wide coverage outside Christian media. However, the issue has drawn responses from two key figures in Norway. The government’s minister of culture and equality, Lubna Jaffery, criticized the declaration for lacking acceptance and understanding of queer individuals.

Jaffery stated that the declaration reflects views that are outdated and inconsistent with the progress made in Norwegian society. She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting people’s right to live safe, happy, and free lives, citing a medical consensus on transgender issues. In 2023, Norway passed a strict ban on conversion therapy, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights.

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