Church of Norway formally apologizes to LGBTQ+ community 'for years of discrimination'

The Church of Norway, the country’s largest religious community, has formally apologized to the LGBTQ+ community for decades of discrimination that has caused “shame, great harm and pain.” The statement was made by the organization’s head, Olav Fykse Tveit, at a symbolic location – a pub that was the target of a terrorist attack during Oslo Pride events in 2022.

According to The Guardian, presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit admitted that the church’s actions were unacceptable. “The church in Norway has caused LGBTQ+ people shame, great harm and pain. This should never have happened, and that is why I apologize today,” he stated. Tveit also noted that “discrimination, unequal treatment and persecution” by the church has caused some people to lose their faith.

Recall that on September 6, 2025, in the Shrine of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Rome, representatives of the RCC mass for homosexual Catholics. The event was held “with the blessing” of Pope Leo XIV and gathered about 1200 participants. The Mass was led by Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.