The constitution of the Kingdom of Norway recognizes the right of all inhabitants of the kingdom to free exercise of religion while at the same time declaring that the Evangelical-Lutheran religion shall remain the official religion of the state. As such, the church is financially supported by the state and enjoys certain benefits over other churches. It is constitutionally mandated that the king and a majority of the members of the Council of State belong to the state church. The Workers Protection and Working Environment Act permits prospective employers in private or religious schools to ask applicants if they respect Christian principles and beliefs. The constitution states that all inhabitants professing the Evangelical-Lutheran religion are bound by law to bring their children up in that faith. Religious instruction in the state religion is provided in all public schools, but children of other faiths may be exempt upon request.
The 1996 US State Department Report on Human Rights states that denominations other than the Lutheran Church operate freely. Government registration of religious communities is not required. A religious organization may and must register only if it is seeking state support which is given in proportion to the membership of the religious community. Workers belonging to faiths other than the state religion are allowed leave for religious holidays.
Presently, the state church speaks out against a variety of new religious movements.
2003 US State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Norway
Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief Report on Norway
Increasing support for the Norwegian State Church WorldWide Religious News 2/25/04
Search Amazon.com for books on religious freedom in Norway