Church of Norway apologizes to LGBTQ+ community for 'discrimination and harassment'

"In 2022, the bishops of the Church of Norway acknowledged that the institution we lead has caused suffering and pain to gay people. Some may think it's too late, some may think it's too early. We believe it's right not to wait any longer,"

"In recent years, we have had a number of meetings and conversations with queer people and their various interest organizations. It is heartening when those who previously felt condemned by the church have welcomed us with open arms. It is a grace."

"The church in Norway has caused LGBTQ+ people shame, great harm and pain," he continued. "This should never have happened and that is why I apologize today."

The Church of Norway's presiding bishop, Olav Fykse Tveitat, apologized to LGBTQ+ people for discrimination, unequal treatment, harassment, and causing shame, harm and pain. The apology was delivered at the London Pub in Oslo, a gay bar targeted in the 2022 mass shooting that killed two and wounded 21. The bishops acknowledged in 2022 that the institution caused suffering to gay people and chose not to delay further reparative action. The church has shifted positions over decades, previously labeling LGBTQ+ people as a "global social danger" in the 1950s, later allowing gay pastors from 2007 and same-sex weddings in churches from 2017.

Read at Advocate.com