Pray for NORWAY

Posted byrobertjurjevichPosted inPrayerTags:, , , , ,

Christianity is the predominant religion in Norway, with approximately 61.7% of the population belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway as of 2024. While a majority maintain official membership, Norway is noted for being one of the most secular countries in the world, with very low regular church attendance (estimated at 2%) and a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious or agnostic. 

Religious Demographics (2019–2024)

Affiliation Percentage of Population
Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran)61.7% (2024)
Roman Catholic Church~3.1% (2019)
Pentecostal Congregations0.76% (2019)
Eastern/Oriental Orthodoxy0.66% (2024)
Other Christian Denominations~1.59% (2019)
Unaffiliated / Non-religious18.3% (2019)

Historical Development

  • Christianization (c. 900–1150): Christianity was introduced to Norway during the Viking Age, largely through contact with Britain and Germany. King Olaf II (Saint Olaf) is credited with formally establishing Christianity after the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030.
  • The Reformation (1537): King Christian III of Denmark-Norway established the Evangelical Lutheran faith as the official state religion, replacing Roman Catholicism by force.
  • Church and State Separation: The Church of Norway was the official state church for centuries until a constitutional amendment in 2012 began the process of separation. As of January 1, 2017, it became an independent legal entity, though it is still recognized as the “national church” and receives state funding. 

Contemporary Practice

  • Cultural Christianity: For many Norwegians, church membership is more cultural than theological. Rituals like infant baptism, confirmation, and weddings remain popular traditions even among those who do not regularly attend services or profess a belief in God.
  • Sami Traditions: The indigenous Sami people were largely converted to Christianity by the 18th century, and they often maintain higher rates of religious practice compared to the general population.
  • Growth of Minority Groups: While membership in the Church of Norway is declining, minority Christian groups, particularly Catholics and Orthodox Christians, have seen growth due to immigration from countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine.

Links for further overview of Norway:

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