Norway schools face dilemma over church services amid new Education Act

As the Advent season approaches, schools in Norway traditionally invite students to attend church services. However, the landscape has shifted since last Christmas due to changes in the Education Act, which now explicitly prohibits religious instruction in schools. The act states that educational initiatives should not be of a preaching nature.

In response to this legislation, the Trondheim municipality issued guidance to school principals, highlighting a broad ban on religious activities in all forms of education, including school church services. This message has since extended to parents at establishments like Tonstad School.

The Human-Etisk Forbund, an organization opposing school church services, asserts that many schools fail to provide adequate alternatives for students who wish not to participate. Its leader, Christian Lomsdalen, argues that such practices isolate certain children, contradicting the principles of inclusivity and community often promoted in schools.

The new Education Act, effective this year, includes a specific clause stating educational activities should not be preachy. Lomsdalen insists that this implies that school church services are illegal, noting that there are no exceptions within the law. Yet, the Minister of Education disagrees, claiming that participation in school church services is voluntary and poses no risk of fostering deep religious beliefs among students.

Amidst the controversy, the Church of Norway has conveyed its position, insisting that while church services inherently convey Christian beliefs, the emphasis should be placed on tradition rather than preaching to students. Bishop Herborg Finnset emphasizes that services should promote inclusivity, stating that definitions around these gatherings remain essential for respectful dialogue.