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Church of Denmark

2025-10-18T21:12:53Z

2A00:23C6:F3CF:F01:DC71:379B:1BE:6882: more specific Bible link

{{Short description|State-supported Lutheran church}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{redirect|Danish Church}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name = Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark
| native_name = Folkekirken
| native_name_lang = da
| image = Church of Denmark.svg
| imagewidth = 250px
| alt =
| caption =
| abbreviation =
| type = [[Established church]]
| main_classification= [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
| orientation = [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]]
| scripture = [[Protestant Bible]]
| polity = [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]]
| governance =
| structure =
| leader_title = [[Monarchy of Denmark|Supreme Authority]]
| leader_name = [[Frederik X|Frederik X of Denmark]] and the [[Folketing]]
| leader_title1 = [[Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs (Denmark)|Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs]]
| leader_name1 = [[Morten Dahlin]]
| leader_title2 = [[Primate (bishop)|Primate]]
| leader_name2 = [[Peter Skov-Jakobsen]]
| leader_title3 =
| leader_name3 =
| fellowships_type =
| fellowships =
| division_type = Dioceses
| division = 11
| division_type1 = Parishes
| division1 = 2,163 (November 2019)<ref name=danmarks-kirker>{{cite web|last1=Kinkel|first1=Jens|title=Churches in Denmark|url=http://www.danmarks-kirker.dk/|website=Danmarks Kirker|access-date=16 November 2019|language=da|date=16 November 2019}}</ref>
| associations = {{unbulleted list|[[Lutheran World Federation]]|[[World Council of Churches]]|[[Conference of European Churches]]|[[Porvoo Communion]]|[[Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe]]}}
| area = [[Kingdom of Denmark]] (including [[Greenland]], excluding [[Faroe Islands]])
| language = [[Danish language|Danish]]
| liturgy =
| headquarters =
| origin_link =
| founder =
| founded_date = [[Reformation in Denmark|{{Start date and age|1536}}]]
| founded_place =
| separated_from = [[Catholic Church in Denmark]]
| parent =
| theology = [[High church Lutheranism|High church Lutheran]]
| merger =
| absorbed =
| separations = {{unbulleted list|[[Church of Iceland]]|[[Church of the Faroe Islands]]}}
| merged_into =
| defunct =
| congregations_type =
| congregations =
| members = 4.253.575 (70.7%, January 2025)<ref name="church stats"/>
| ministers_type =
| ministers =
| missionaries =
| churches = 2,354 (2014)<ref name=danmarks-kirker />
| hospitals =
| nursing_homes =
| aid = Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (ACT Alliance Denmark)
| primary_schools =
| secondary_schools =
| tax_status =
| tertiary =
| other_names =
| publications =
| website = {{URL|www.folkekirken.dk|Official website}} {{in lang|da}} {{URL|www.lutheranchurch.dk|Official website}} {{in lang|en}}
| slogan =
| logo =
| footnotes =
}}
[[File:Marmorkirken October 2018 01.jpg|thumb|[[The Marble Church]] is an iconic landmark in [[Copenhagen]]]]
[[File:Bible main altar Roskilde cathedral Denmark.jpg|thumb|right|[[The Bible]], main altar of [[Roskilde Cathedral]]]]
The '''Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark''' or '''National Church''' ({{langx|da|Folkekirken}} {{literally|the People's Church}}, or unofficially {{langx|da|den danske folkekirke||the Danish People's Church|label=none}}; {{langx|kl|Ilagiit}} {{literally|the Congregation}}), sometimes called the '''Church of Denmark''', is the [[state religion|established]], state-supported church in [[Denmark]].<ref>[http://www.km.dk/statstilskud.html State fundings to the National Church] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101152726/http://www.km.dk/statstilskud.html |date=2006-11-01 }} {{in lang|da}}. Retrieved 21 January 2011</ref> The supreme [[secular]] authority of the church is composed of the [[Frederik X|reigning monarch]] and Denmark's Parliament, the [[Folketing]].<ref>[http://www.kristendom.dk/artikel/361939:Indfoering--Dronningen-og-forholdet-til-folkekirken kristendom.dk – "Dronningen og forholdet til folkekirken"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220045347/http://www.kristendom.dk/artikel/361939:Indfoering--Dronningen-og-forholdet-til-folkekirken |date=2011-12-20 }} – '''In Danish'''.</ref> As of 2025, 70.7% of the population of Denmark are members,<ref name="church stats">[https://www.folkekirken.dk/om-folkekirken/folkekirken-i-tal/medlemmer Church membership 1990–2024] folkekirken.dk {{in lang|da}}</ref> though membership is voluntary.<ref name= FoR>[http://www.km.dk/fileadmin/share/Trossamfund/Freedom_of_religion.pdf Freedom of religion and religious communities in Denmark] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205165930/http://www.km.dk/fileadmin/share/Trossamfund/Freedom_of_religion.pdf |date=2012-02-05 }}, Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs. Retrieved 21 January 2011.</ref>

[[Chalcedonian Christianity]] was introduced to Denmark in the 9th century by [[Ansgar]], [[Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen]]. In the 10th century, King [[Harald Bluetooth]] became Christian and began organizing the church, and by the 11th century, the country was fully [[Christianization of Scandinavia|Christianized]]. Since the [[Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein|Reformation in Denmark]], the church has been [[Evangelical Lutheran]], while retaining much of its [[High Church Lutheranism|high church]] pre-Reformation [[liturgical]] traditions.

The 1849 [[Constitution of Denmark]] designated the church "the Danish people's church" and mandated that the state support it as such.<ref>According to the [[Constitution of Denmark]] § 4, "the Evangelical-Lutheran Church is the Danish people's church and is supported as such by the State" ("den evangelisk-lutherske kirke er den danske folkekirke og understøttes som sådan af staten")</ref>

The Church of Denmark continues to maintain the [[historical episcopate]]. [[Theological]] authority is vested in [[bishop]]s: ten bishops in mainland Denmark and one in [[Greenland]], each overseeing a diocese. The [[bishop of Copenhagen]] is ''[[primus inter pares]]''.

{{TOC limit|4}}

==Organization==

[[File:Peter Skov-Jakobsen.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Peter Skov-Jakobsen]], current [[Bishop of Copenhagen]] since 2009]]

===Dioceses===
The Church of Denmark is organized into eleven [[diocese]]s, each led by a [[bishop]], including one for Greenland (the [[Faroe Islands]] was a twelfth diocese until 29 July 2007). The most senior bishop (''[[primus inter pares]]'') is the [[bishop of Copenhagen]], currently [[Peter Skov-Jakobsen]]. The further subdivision includes 111 [[deanery|deaneries]] and 2,200 [[parish]]es. There are about 2,400 ordained pastors (Danish: ''præst'').<ref>Role description and numbers (currently 2,400) for a ''præst'' are shown on the official website of the church.</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! Diocese
! Founded
! Cathedral
! Incumbent
|-
| [[Diocese of Aalborg]]
| 1554
| [[Budolfi Church|Aalborg Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Thomas Reinholdt Rasmussen]] (2021– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Aarhus]]
| 948
| [[Aarhus Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Henrik Wigh-Poulsen]] (2015– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Copenhagen]]
| 1922
| [[Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen)|Copenhagen Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Peter Skov-Jakobsen]] (2009– ) ''([[Primate (bishop)|Primate of Denmark]])''
|-
| [[Diocese of Funen]]
| 988
| [[St. Canute's Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Mads Davidsen]] (2023– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Haderslev]]
| 1922
| [[Haderslev Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Marianne Christiansen]] (2013– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Helsingør]]
| 1961
| [[St. Olaf's Church, Helsingør|Helsingør Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Peter Birch (Danish bishop)|Peter Birch]] (2021– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Lolland–Falster]]
| 1803
| [[Maribo Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Marianne Gaarden]] (2017– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Ribe]]
| 948
| [[Ribe Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Elof Westergaard]] (2014– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Roskilde]]
| 1922
| [[Roskilde Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Ulla Thorbjørn Hansen]] (2022– )
|-
| [[Diocese of Viborg]]
| 1537
| [[Viborg Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Henrik Stubkjær]] (2014– )
|-
| [[Church of Greenland|Diocese of Greenland]]
| 1993
| [[Nuuk Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Paneeraq Siegstad Munk]] (2020– )
|-
|}

===Parishes===
Each parish has a parochial council, elected by church members in four-year terms. The parochial council leads the practical business of the local church and decides employment of personnel, including the pastors, musicians, [[verger]], and [[sacristan]]. The pastor (Danish: ''præst'') is subordinate to the council, except in spiritual matters such as conducting [[church service]]s and [[pastoral care]]. Parishes in the same local area are grouped into deaneries, with one priest serving as Rural Dean. Deaneries, parochial councils, and pastors are all subordinate to the bishop of the diocese.

====Voluntary congregations====
A special feature is the possibility of creating voluntary [[wikt:congregation|congregations]] (''valgmenighed'') within the Church. These account for a few percent of church members. They are [[voluntary association]]s, electing their own parochial council and parish pastor, whom they agree to pay from their own pockets. In return, they are exempt from [[church tax]]. The voluntary congregation and its pastor are subordinate to the bishop of the diocese, and members remain full members of the Church. Historically, when a parish was dominated by a conservative majority and priest, the liberal minority would often set up a voluntary congregation with their own priest – and vice versa. Today the voluntary congregations are often a solution for people who find the idea of a [[free church]] appealing, but wish to keep some bonds to the church.

====Parish optionality====
Another, less commonly used feature is parish optionality (''sognebåndsløsning'', literally "parish bond release"). If a Church member is dissatisfied with the particular pastor of his residence parish, he may choose to be served by another pastor who matches better with his Christian views.

===Membership===
{{Further|Religion in Denmark}}
{| class="wikitable infobox" style="width: 250px; margin-right: 0; text-align: center;"
|+ '''Church of Denmark'''
|-
! year !! population !! members !! percentage !! change annually
|-
| 1984 || 5,113,500 || 4,684,060 || 91.6% ||
|-
| 1990 || 5,135,409 || 4,584,450 || 89.3% || 0.4 {{ decrease}}
|-
| 2000 || 5,330,500 || 4,536,422 || 85.1% || 0.4 {{decrease}}
|-
| 2010 || 5,534,738 || 4,479,214 || 80.9% || 0.6 {{ decrease}}
|-
| 2020 || 5,822,763 || 4,327,018 || 74.3% || 0.4 {{ decrease}}
|-
| 2023 || 5,932,654 || 4,276,271 || 72.1% || 1.1 {{ decrease}}
|-
|2024
|5,961,249
|4,253,575
|71.4%
|0.7 {{decrease}}
|-
|2025
|5,992,734
|4,234,315
|70.7%
|0.7 {{decrease}}
|-
! colspan="5" style="text-align: left; font-weight: normal;" | Statistical data: 1984,<ref>[https://www.dst.dk/pukora/epub/Nyt/2002/NR226.pdf Church membership 1984] Danmarks statistik {{in lang|da}}</ref> 1990–2025,<ref name="church stats" /> Source: Kirkeministeriet
|}

According to official statistics from January 2023, 72.1% of the inhabitants of Denmark are members of the Church of Denmark, 1.1 percentage points less than the previous year.<ref name="church stats"/> Membership rates vary from 54.4% in the [[Diocese of Copenhagen]] to 82.0% in the [[Diocese of Viborg]]. In recent decades, the percentage of Danes that are members of the church has been slowly declining, the most important reasons being immigration from non-Lutheran countries, withdrawal of some members, and a somewhat lower rate (56.2%) of Danish infants being christened.<ref>[https://www.folkekirken.dk/om-folkekirken/folkekirken-i-tal/daab Baptism statistics 1990 – 2021] folkekirken.dk {{in lang|da}}</ref>

Any person who is [[baptized]] (usually [[infant baptism]]) into the Church of Denmark automatically becomes a member. Members may renounce their membership and later return if they wish. [[Excommunication]] is legally possible but a rare occurrence. Examples include declared [[Satanism|Satanists]]. A church member supporting [[reincarnation]] was excommunicated, but the [[Courts of Denmark#Supreme Court|Supreme Court]] overturned the excommunication in 2005.

===Faith and church attendance===
According to the latest inquiry about 2.4%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/kirke-tro/kun-24-procent-g%C3%A5r-i-kirke-hver-uge|title=Kun 2,4 procent går i kirke hver uge|work=Kristeligt Dagblad|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref> of church members attend services every week, although on Christmas Eve more than a third of the population attends. The church is still widely used for traditional family ceremonies including [[infant baptism|christenings]] and [[Confirmation (Lutheran Church)|confirmations]]. In the year 2022, 31.2% of [[wedding]]s<ref>[https://www.folkekirken.dk/om-folkekirken/folkekirken-i-tal/vielse Kirkelige vielser og velsignelser] folkekirken.dk {{in lang|da}}</ref><ref name="statistikbanken">[https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?MainTable=VIEDAG&PLanguage=1&PXSId=0&wsid=cftree Marriages by day of marriage and month of the marriage] Statistics Denmark</ref> and 80.7% [[funeral]]s were performed in the Church of Denmark,<ref>[https://www.folkekirken.dk/om-folkekirken/folkekirken-i-tal/begravelse Begravelser i folkekirken] folkekirken.dk {{in lang|da}}</ref> and 66.5% of children in grade 7–8 were confirmed.<ref>[https://www.folkekirken.dk/om-folkekirken/folkekirken-i-tal/konfirmation Konfirmation] folkekirken.dk {{in lang|da}}</ref> The level of weekly [[church attendance]] is similar to that in [[Norway]] and [[Sweden]].

According to a 2009 [[opinion poll|poll]], 25% of Danes believed Jesus is the [[Son of God]], and 18% believed he is the [[Redeemer (Christianity)]].<ref>Poll performed in December 2009 among 1114 Danes between ages 18 and 74, [http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/350709:Kirke---tro--Hver-fjerde-dansker-tror-paa-Jesus ''Hver fjerde dansker tror på Jesus''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225060504/http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/350709:Kirke---tro--Hver-fjerde-dansker-tror-paa-Jesus |date=2009-12-25 }} (One in four Danes believe in Jesus), Kristeligt Dagblad, 23 December 2009 {{in lang|da}}</ref>

==Doctrine==
{{more citations needed section|date=April 2016}}
[[File:Alter og døbefont i Besser Kirke (Samsø Kommune).JPG|thumb|[[Altar]] and [[baptismal font]] in Besser Church, [[Samsø]]]]
The church is aimed at having a wide acceptance of [[theology|theological]] views, as long as they agree with the official symbolic books as stipulated in the [[Danish Code]] of 1683. These are:
* The [[Apostles' Creed]]
* The [[Nicene Creed]]
* The [[Athanasian Creed]]
* The [[Augsburg Confession]]
* [[Luther's Small Catechism]]

Revised versions of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]] were authorized by Queen [[Margrethe II]] in 1992. A revised [[Hymn]] Book was authorized in 2003. Both the [[Bible]] translations and the Hymn Book implied widespread public and theological debate.

Historically, there is a contrast between a liberal current inspired by [[N. F. S. Grundtvig]] and more strict, [[pietism|pietist]] or [[Fundamentalist Christianity|Bible fundamentalist]] movements (such as [[Indre Mission]]). These tensions have sometimes threatened to divide the Church. ''[[Tidehverv]]'' is a minor fraction based on a strict Lutheranism and antimodern, national-conservative views.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tidehverv.dk/|title=Tidehvervs forside – Bladet udkom første gang okt. 1926|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Samfund,_jura_og_politik/Religion_og_mystik/Danske_folkekirke/Tidehvervsbev%C3%A6gelsen|title=Tidehvervsbevægelsen – Gyldendal – Den Store Danske|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref>

The Church of Denmark is a member of the [[World Council of Churches]], the [[Lutheran World Federation]], the [[Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe]] and the [[Porvoo Communion]].

===Liturgy===
[[File:Konfirmander.jpg|thumb|Children preparing to be [[Confirmation|confirmed]] ]]
The Communion Service includes three readings from the [[Bible]]: a chapter from one of the [[Gospel]]s, from one of the [[Epistle]]s or another part of the [[New Testament]] and, since 1992, from the [[Old Testament]]. Texts are picked from an official list following the [[church year]]. Some [[liturgy|liturgical]] features have a fixed content but are free to the form. This accounts for the Common Prayer following the [[sermon]], where the priest is encouraged to mention the royal house. Some will simply mention "the King and all his House" whereas others will list all members of the royal house by name and title.

The [[sermon]], as in other Protestant churches, is a central part of the service. The priest takes a starting point in the text of that Sunday, but is free to form a personal message of it. At special occasions, even non-priests may be allowed to preach. [[Hymn]]s are also very central. In contrast to Roman Catholic churches, Danish congregations sit while singing and stand while listening to Bible.

The Church of Denmark recognizes two [[sacraments]]: [[baptism]] and the [[Eucharist|Lord's Supper]], as well as four other [[rite (Christianity)|rites]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Memoirs of Literature, Volume 8 |publisher=R. Knaplock |page=xxi |language=en}}</ref> Formerly, individual or shared confession was a condition to receive the Lord's Supper. An official confession ritual still exists, but is used on a particular basis, as requested. There are also official rituals for [[confirmation]], [[Wedding#Christian customs|wedding]], [[holy orders]], [[anointing of the sick]] and [[funeral]]s. [[Emergency baptism]] may be performed by any Christian if necessary, and later the child will then be "ratified" in Church.

==Church and state==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2014}}
[[File:Vor Frue Kirke Copenhagen.jpg|thumb|The [[Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen)|Church of Our Lady]], the [[cathedral]] of Copenhagen and the National Cathedral of Denmark]]
[[File:RoskildeDomkirke-FacadeVest.jpg|thumb|[[Roskilde Cathedral]] has been the burial place of Danish royalty since the 15th century. In 1995 it became a [[World Heritage Site]].]]
[[File:Holte Kirke 2005.jpg|thumb|A historical picture of the parish church in [[Holte]]]]
As supreme authority of the Church of Denmark, the monarch must be a member (article 6 of the Constitution). This applies to the royal princes and princesses as well, but does not apply to their spouses. Traditionally, though, every foreigner who has become a member of the royal family has converted or become a member of the church; as a result, the [[Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark|Prince Consort Henrik]] converted from [[Roman Catholicism|Catholicism]] before marrying the [[Margrethe II of Denmark|Queen Margrethe]] in 1968, and [[Mary Elizabeth Donaldson|Mary Donaldson]] also converted from [[Presbyterianism]] before marrying [[Frederik X|King Frederik]] in 2004.

===Freedom of religion===
With the [[Reformation in Denmark]] in 1536, [[Lutheran Christianity]] was established as the state religion. For the next century, in a time when [[religious war]]s swept Europe, harsh persecution of other faiths followed ([[Lutheran orthodoxy]]). Exceptions were granted only to foreign diplomats. For at least a period in the 16th century, small circles of clandestine Catholicism prevailed. From 1683, Roman Catholic, [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed]] and [[Judaism|Jewish]] congregations were allowed in the new town of Fredericia, the latter two also in Copenhagen. Non-Lutherans were also allowed in [[Friedrichstadt]] and on [[Nordstrand (Amt)|Nordstrand]] in [[Schleswig, Schleswig-Holstein|Slesvig]] and in [[Glückstadt]] in [[Holstein]]. With the [[Danmarks Riges Grundlov|constitution]] of 1849, [[freedom of religion]] was introduced in Denmark, but Lutheranism remained the state church.

====Recognized and approved religions====
A religious community does not need any state approval in order to enjoy the freedom of religion granted by the constitution. However, state-approved congregations (''godkendte trossamfund'') enjoy several privileges. They may conduct legal [[weddings]], establish own [[cemetery|cemeteries]], get [[residence permit]]s for foreign priests, are exempt from [[corporate tax|corporate]] and [[property tax]], may apply for means from the [[Dansk Tipstjeneste|state lottery fund]], and members may [[tax-deduction|tax-deduct]] membership fees and presents to the congregation.

Additionally, those congregations recognized by royal decree before 1970 (''anerkendte trossamfund'') may name and baptize children with legal effect, keep their own church registers and transcribe certificates on the basis of such registers.<ref name= FoR />

This legal distinction between "recognized" and "approved" communities remains, but is mainly a historical one. Communities recognized before 1970 includes only eight well-established Christian communities as well as one Jewish community. From 1970 until the 1990s only a few more Christian congregations were approved, but since 1998, a much more liberal practice has ensued. Since then, a board of independent experts decide about approval of new religious communities. The board includes professors of law, religious studies and theology and works under the Ministry of Justice, deliberately separate from the Ministry of Ecclesiastical affairs. It merely investigates whether the organization fulfills basic definitions, such as having a doctrine, creed and cult, in order to be called a congregation of faith. In 2003, the approval of the [[Forn Siðr — Ásatrú and Vanatrú Association in Denmark|Forn Siðr]] religion caused some public debate.

===Lack of central authority===
The Church is in practice barred from having official positions in political or other matters, since it has no central bodies that could define such stances: neither a spiritual leader (such as an [[archbishop]]) nor a central assembly or [[synod]]. Bishops have the last say on doctrinal questions within their respective dioceses. The King (in practice the Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs) and Parliament are the central bodies, but they usually keep to administrative matters and abstain from interfering with spiritual questions. [[Church law]]s are rarely changed, and, when it happens, only administrative matters are affected.

Firstly, these principles are generally believed to ensure a nonsectarian, tolerant church where parishioners and priests enjoy a high degree of freedom to practice their own interpretation of Lutheran Christianity. Secondly, many Danish politicians and theologians claim that only this church-state-model will ensure the division of politics and religion, since the Church cannot interfere with political matters or even claim to speak with one voice on behalf of its members. They frequently discourage the term [[state church]] and argue it is, as its name states, the "people's church".

Article 66 of the [[Constitution of Denmark|Danish Constitution]] stipulates a [[Church Ordinance|church ordinance]] shall be laid down by law. This promissory clause dates back from the first Constitution of 1849 but was never put into practice. It was feared that splits could occur if a central authority were created.

In very few cases have politicians deviated from their traditional hands-off course in church doctrinal matters. Where they have done so, it has been with the declared aim of preventing a possible split in the church. ''See the issues of [[#Female clergy|Female clergy]] and [[#Same-sex marriage|Same-sex marriage]] below.''

===Civil registration===
The Church of Denmark conducts [[civil registration]] of [[childbirth|birth]]s, [[death]]s, [[change of name]] etc. ([[vital records]]). The keeping of such ''kirkebøger'' ("[[Parish register|church books]]") is a centuries-long tradition, dating from when the parish rectors were the only government representatives in rural areas. In 2002–03 the traditional church records were replaced by a new national electronic registration system called ''Personregistrering''. After protests in 2005, the Minister for Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs [[Bertel Haarder]] announced that people who for various reasons did not want to send their registration forms (e.g. births and namings) to the local church office could now send their forms to a central office located in [[Nykøbing Falster]].

In 2010 parents' duty to report the birth of their child was abolished. Instead, it was decided that in the future it was the task of the [[midwife|midwives]] to report all births in Denmark (only when a midwife is not present at the birth of a child are the parents still obliged to report the birth of the child).

From December 1, 2014 all applications should be submitted in digital form whenever possible.

===Economic support===
Article 4 in the [[Constitution of Denmark]] stipulates that "The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, as such, it shall be supported by the State."<ref name="constitution" /> On the other hand, article 68 ensures that citizens are not obliged to pay personal contributions to any religion other than their own.<ref name="constitution" /> It has been questioned how these two principles can co-exist. Non-members do not pay [[church tax]], but an additional state subsidiary accounts for 12% of the Church's income. This means every citizen, even a non-member, contributes with an average of 130 [[Danish kroner|kroner]] annually (US$23). In addition, the bishops are high-ranking officials whose salary is fully paid by the state. In return, certain public tasks are carried out by the Church, such as conducting [[vital record]]s registries and managing [[graveyard]]s which are open to all denominations.

===State church===
[[File:Kierkegaard.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The Danish philosopher [[Søren Kierkegaard]] was an outspoken advocate of separation of church and state<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Assiter|editor1-first=Alison|editor-link=Alison Assiter|title=Kierkegaard and the Political|date=2012|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Pub.|location=Newcastle upon Tyne|isbn=9781443843850|page=81}}</ref>]]
The current arrangement of governmental support of the Church of Denmark as the [[Christian state|state church]] is supported by most political parties. It has been challenged for decades by the left wing and by [[atheism|atheists]]; more recently also by some ideological [[liberalism|liberals]] and some members of [[free church]]es.

Proponents for the current system argue that membership is voluntary, that the existence of a state church has ancient historical roots, and that the church fulfills certain administrative tasks for the state. Antidisestablishmentarians view patronage of the Church of Denmark as being consistent with Denmark's identity as a [[Christian state]]. They also argue it would be difficult to decide whether church-owned real estate should be handed over to the state or not. The former possessions of the Catholic Church were ceded to the Crown at the [[Reformation in Denmark|reformation in 1536]]. Proponents for a separation ([[disestablishment]]) argue the state church violates their concept of the [[freedom of religion|equality of religions]].

According to a [[Opinion poll|poll]] conducted by the [[free daily]] [[MetroXpress]] in April 2007, 52% wished to split church and state, 30% were against, and 18% undecided. Minister for Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs [[Bertel Haarder]], spoke out against a split: ''"Church and state will be separated when more than half of the population are no longer members. [[N. F. S. Grundtvig]] said so, and I support that."'' The opposition [[Social Democrats (Denmark)|Social Democrats]] also argued against a split, but said there should be more equality between denominations, possibly by a state subsidiary paid to other approved religious communities as well.<ref>[http://metroxpress.dk/dk/article/2007/04/04/10/1005-52/index.xml?print=1 ''Danes want to split church from state''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212709/http://metroxpress.dk/dk/article/2007/04/04/10/1005-52/index.xml?print=1 |date=2007-09-27 }}, [[MetroXpress]], 2007-04-04 {{in lang|da}}</ref> Immigrant groups and the [[islam|Muslim]] society are divided on the issue, as some think official Christianity is preferable to a purely secular state.

Pure equality of religions exists only in a minority of [[Western Europe]]an countries. Besides Denmark, only the [[Faroe Islands]], [[Iceland]], [[England]] and [[Greece]] have official [[state church]]es, while [[Scotland]] has an officially recognized "national church" that is not connected to the state. [[Spain]], [[Portugal]], [[Italy]] and [[Austria]] have official ties to Catholicism ([[concordat]]), but these ties do not extend to Catholicism being recognized as the state religion in these countries. Further there are varying degrees of public funding of the church in [[Belgium]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Germany]], [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], in most cantons of [[Switzerland]], and in the [[Alsace-Moselle]] region of [[France]].

===Similar Nordic Evangelical-Lutheran churches===
{{further|List of Lutheran denominations}}
* [[Church of Sweden]] – ''Svenska kyrkan''
* [[Church of Norway]] – ''Den norske kirke''
* [[National Church of Iceland]] – ''Þjóðkirkjan''
* [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]] – ''Suomen evankelis-luterilainen kirkko'' (Swedish: ''Evangelisk-lutherska kyrkan i Finland'')
* [[Church of the Faroe Islands]] – ''Fólkakirkjan''

==Controversial issues==
{{See also|Homosexuality and Lutheranism}}

=== Female clergy ===
The [[ordination of women]], having been discussed within the church since the 1920s, has been allowed since 1948, despite some rather strong early resistance from the clergy. The then Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs was contacted by a parochial council who wished to employ a female priest. He decided there was no legal obstacle to that.<ref>[https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/124512:Kirke---tro--Praester-imod-vielser-af-homoseksuelle-i-kirken ''Priests against marriage of homosexuals in church''], [[Kristeligt Dagblad]], 14 January 2004
</ref> The first woman to become a bishop was instituted in 1995. As of 2021, a majority of priests are women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hein |first=Niels |last2=Hanscomb |first2=Matilda |date=2022-03-07 |title=Folkekirken har flere kvinder end Sverige og Norge: Det har formet præsterollen |url=https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/kirke-og-tro/folkekirken-har-flere-kvinder-end-sverige-og-norge-det-har-formet-praesterollen |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Kristeligt Dagblad |language=da}}</ref>

Among a small conservative minority, resistance to women ordained as clergy remains. In 2007 the [[Diocese of Viborg|Bishop of Viborg]], known as a moderate conservative, revealed that he had given special consideration to priests who were known to be against ordained women. He had organized [[ordination]] ceremonies in such a way that new priests who so wished could avoid shaking hands with, or receiving the laying on of hands from, women ordained as priests. According to the bishop, this had happened twice in the 100 ordinations he had performed. The matter became headline news amidst a debate about [[Islamic fundamentalism|Muslim fundamentalists]] who refuse to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The Minister for Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs, [[Bertel Haarder]], said he would discuss the matter with the bishops, but also stated that tolerance for various views should be respected. In contrast, the Minister for Employment, [[Claus Hjort Frederiksen]], thought that the priests in question should be dismissed, as public employees are obliged to shake hands with anyone.<ref>[https://politiken.dk/indland/article311649.ece ''Minister for Employment: Fire the Discriminating Priests''], [[Politiken]], 2007-05-24 {{in lang|da}}</ref>

===Same-sex marriage===
{{Further|Same-sex marriage in Denmark}}
A 2011 poll of the Danish public found that 75.8% of Danes approve of same-sex marriages being performed in the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cphpost.dk/news/national/51600-majority-allow-gay-church-marriages.html|title=The Post – The Copenhagen Post – Danish news in english|access-date=20 June 2015}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

According to a 2011 survey of 1137 priests, 62% of them supported same-sex marriage in the Church on the same basis as for heterosexuals, while 28% were against. A map of the results hints at the traditional west–east division, with a conservative wing being dominant in central [[West Jutland]] (the former [[Ringkjøbing Amt]]) and on [[Bornholm]], but liberal priests dominating in most other cities.<ref>[https://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2011/11/23/143426.htm ''Måling: Hver fjerde præst er imod homovielser'' (Poll: one of four priests against gay marriages)], [[Danmarks Radio]], 23 November 2011 (in Danish, with map)</ref>

In 2004, a poll among pastors said 60% were against church marriage of same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/124512:Kirke---tro--Praester-imod-vielser-af-homoseksuelle-i-kirken|title=Præster imod vielser af homoseksuelle i kirken|trans-title=Pastors against marriage of homosexuals in church|newspaper=[[Kristeligt Dagblad]]|date=14 January 2004 }}</ref>

====Early position of the church====
Since Denmark approved [[Recognition of gay unions in Denmark|same-sex civil unions]] ([[registered partnership]]) in 1989, the question of [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|church blessing ceremonies]] for such unions emerged. After an inquiry from the [[Danish National Association of Gays and Lesbians]] in 1993, bishops set up a commission to reach a stance on the matter.

An early stance on registered partnerships was reached in 1997. Bishops maintained that the ceremony of marriage was God's framework for the relation between a man and a woman, but this view of marriage was not affected by the fact that some people chose to live in a responsible community with a person of the same sex, approved by society, i.e. a registered partnership. The bishops disapproved of institutionalising new rituals, but couples who wished a nonritualized marking in church of their registered partnership should be obliged. In such cases, it would be up to the rector to decide, and he should seek advice from his bishop.<ref>[http://www.lbl.dk/homopolitik/reg-partnerskab/biskoppernes-udtalelse-oktober-1997.html Declaration of Bishops on same-sex unions, 1997] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911085654/http://www.lbl.dk/homopolitik/reg-partnerskab/biskoppernes-udtalelse-oktober-1997.html |date=2007-09-11 }} {{in lang|da}}</ref>

At this time, many churches chose to bless registered partnerships, however this blessing was distinguished from a legal ceremony, which was performed by a mayor or another municipal official.<ref>[https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/139657:Kirke---tro--Biskop-ind-i-sag-om-velsignelser-af-homoseksuelle ''Bishop enters case about blessings of homosexuals''], [[Kristeligt Dagblad]], 4 August 2003 {{in lang|da}}</ref>

====Same-sex marriages accepted====
On 15 June 2012 the Church of Denmark made the decision to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies and not merely bless them; therefore Denmark now recognizes [[same-sex marriages]]. In early 2012 [[Minister for Gender Equality (Denmark)|Minister for Equality]], [[Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs of Denmark|Ecclesiastical Affairs]] and [[Minister for Nordic Cooperation (Denmark)|Nordic Cooperation]], [[Manu Sareen]] introduced a bill approving same-sex marriage, which was passed in parliament in June 2012.<ref>[http://digitaljournal.com/article/313312 Denmark moves to legalize same-sex marriage], Digital Journal, 24 October 2011</ref> A wedding ritual with liturgy has been developed and presented to parliament by the eleven bishops who are in favor of same-sex marriages being performed in church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cphpost.dk/news/national/you-may-now-kiss-groom|title=You may now kiss the groom|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616173833/http://cphpost.dk/news/national/you-may-now-kiss-groom|archive-date=16 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Manu Sareen and a majority of bishops initially proposed the ritual would not declare the same-sex couple 'spouses', but 'life partners' (''livsfæller'', a Danish [[neologism]]), but the minister later changed his mind on this detail. Two conservative organizations within the church, [[The Church Association for the Inner Mission in Denmark|Inner Mission]] and [[Luthersk Mission|Lutheran Mission]], as well as one of the twelve bishops, maintain their protests against same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1655373/43-vrede-praester-udfordrer-biskopperne/|title=43 vrede præster udfordrer biskopperne|date=14 June 2012|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref> It will be up to each individual priest to decide whether he or she will conduct marriages of same-sex couples. The first same-sex couple was married on Friday 15 June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://politiken.dk/indland/ECE1657651/endelig-fik-steen-og-stig-kirkens-ord/|title=Endelig fik Steen og Stig kirkens ord|date=15 June 2012|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref>

The process towards the official recognition of same sex marriage in the Church of Denmark began on February 8, 1973, when Provo Priest [[Harald Søbye]] performed a wedding of a male couple, although not legally recognized, on a suggestion from a journalist at the newspaper [[Ekstra Bladet]], which announced it as "The World's First Gay Wedding". On February 25, 1973, Harald Søbye performed another wedding on a TV show. The state prosecutor investigated the cases, but concluded that the priest's use of his vestment was not illegal. Søbye had been retired in 1964 for political activism, but remained an ordained priest within the church. During the next 15 years, Søbye performed approximately 210 blessings or weddings of same-sex couples.<ref>[[:da:Harald Søbye]]</ref>

When Denmark introduced [[registered partnerships]] in 1989, the issue of [[same-sex marriage]] for some years received little attention. Church blessings of these partnerships slowly gained ground (see above). Later, the possibility of registered partnership, or same-sex marriage, performed by the church came under discussion. The issue was brought up in an unusual way by Prime Minister [[Anders Fogh Rasmussen]] in 2004, who said he would approve of such a change, although he claimed to speak as a private person on this issue, not as prime minister.

Views among proponents vary whether such a ceremony should be called 'marriage' or merely '[[registered partnership]]' ''(registreret partnerskab)'', as the original same-sex civil union was called. In practice, clergy have been allowed to decide for themselves whether to perform same-sex marriages or not, similar to the right to deny remarriage of divorced persons (a policy employed by a conservative minority of priests).

====Constitutionality====
A further controversy is that this new practice may be against the Danish constitution; §4 of the constitution states: "The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, as such, it shall be supported by the State."<ref name="constitution">{{cite web|title=Denmark's Constitution of 1953 |url= https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Denmark_1953.pdf?lang=en |publisher=Constitute Project|access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref> §4 not only establishes "Folkekirken" as the state church, but also gives certain boundaries as to what the state church is. It is forced to follow the Lutheran doctrines and if, as some critics claim,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/417323:Debat--DEBAT--Grundloven-goer-det-umuligt | title=DEBAT: Grundloven gør det umuligt | date=2 May 2011 }}</ref> the Lutheran doctrines explicitly state that [[homosexuality]] is a [[sin]], then it is a violation of the constitution to allow gay marriages in the state church.

===Gay clergy===
Gay and lesbian clergy exist, and this is generally considered a strictly personal issue. Parish councils are central in selecting and employing new priests, including interviews with candidates. Once employed, parish priests are [[public servant]]s and cannot be discharged except for neglect of duties, ultimately the bishop's decision.

In 2011 a female priest serving two small island parishes was fired after controversies with the parish council of [[Agersø]] She claimed to have been ousted because of her sexuality, but the parish council rejected this accusation and mentioned cooperation problems as the cause. Twenty years earlier she had come out as [[lesbian]] and a practitioner of [[sadomasochism]] in a Swedish TV show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xeppl0_asa-sjoberg_lifestyle|title=dailymotion|date=6 September 2010|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/444153:Kirke---tro--Fyret-praest--Min-seksualitet-gav-problemer?articleid=444153 |title= Fyret præst: Min seksualitet gav problemer |trans-title= Fired priest: My sexuality gave problems |work= [[Kristeligt Dagblad]] |date= 15 December 2011 |language= da |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130613101441/https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/444153:Kirke---tro--Fyret-praest--Min-seksualitet-gav-problemer?articleid=444153 |archive-date= 13 June 2013}}</ref>

In 2009 a parish priest in [[Tingbjerg]], a Copenhagen suburb, moved away from the parish to a secret address after assaults against his [[vicarage]], his car and the parish church. The vicarage was put up for sale. According to [[Avisen.dk]], local youths claimed they harassed him because he was openly homosexual, among other reasons.<ref>[http://www.avisen.dk/tingbjerg-praest-mobbes-for-at-vaere-homo_116027.aspx ''Tingbjerg-præst mobbes for at være homo'' (Tingbjerg priest harassed for being gay)], [[Avisen.dk]], 15 October 2009 (in Danish)</ref> The priest himself denied this was the issue, but rather claimed the assaults were part of a general tendency therein which intensified after his public denunciation.<ref>[https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/342545:Kirke---tro--Tingbjerg-praest--Man-er-overladt-til-sig-selv?all=1 ''Tingbjerg-præst: Man er overladt til sig selv'' (Tingbjerg priest: You are left to yourself)], [[Kristeligt Dagblad]], 17 October 2009 (in Danish)</ref> A Sunday service held a few weeks later was attended by several prominent guests supporting the priest, including Prime Minister [[Lars Løkke Rasmussen]], [[Education Minister of Denmark|Minister for Education]] and [[Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs of Denmark|Ecclesiastical Affairs]] [[Bertel Haarder]], and photographer [[Jacob Holdt]].<ref>[https://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Politik/2009/10/25/114829.htm ''Politiker-støtte til chikaneret præst i Tingbjerg'' (Politicians support harassed priest in Tingbjerg)], [[Politiken]], 25 October 2009</ref>
Tingbjerg is a single-plan [[public housing]] area, marked by [[gang violence]] and [[youth crime]], and the most criminal district of Copenhagen.<ref>[politiken.dk/indland/ECE816952/praest-paa-flugt-fra-tingbjerg-folk-er-bange/ ''Præst på flugt fra Tingbjerg: »Folk er bange«'' (Priest escaping Tingbjerg: 'People are afraid')], [[Politiken]], 25 October 2009</ref>

===Declaration ''Dominus Iesus''===
In 2000, the Church of Denmark's [[ecumenical]] department publicly criticized the Roman Catholic declaration ''[[Dominus Iesus]]'', which controversially used the term "[[ecclesial community]]" to refer to Protestant denominations, including Lutheran churches. The Church of Denmark argued that there is a destructive effect on ecumenical relations if one church deprives another of the right to be called a [[Christian Church|Church]] and that it is just as destructive as if one Christian denies another Christian the right to be called a Christian.<ref>[http://www.interchurch.dk/dok/703dom-iesus-eng.htm To the Roman Catholic Church in Denmark] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114115959/http://www.interchurch.dk/dok/703dom-iesus-eng.htm |date=2009-01-14 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Denmark|Faroe Islands|Christianity}}
* [[Danish Seamen's Church and Church Abroad]]
* [[Danish Church in Southern Schleswig]]
* [[Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church Association in America]]
* [[United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church]]
* [[History of Denmark]]; for the history of the Church of Denmark
* [[Religion in Denmark]]
* [[Christianity in Denmark]]
* [[Catholic Church in Denmark]]
* [[Religion in the Faroe Islands]]
* [[Religion in Greenland]]

;Other Nordic national Lutheran churches
* [[Church of the Faroe Islands]]
* [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]]
* [[Church of Iceland]]
* [[Church of Norway]]
* [[Church of Sweden]]

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|35em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}} {{in lang|da}}
* [http://www.km.dk/ The Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs] {{in lang|da}}

{{Porvoo Communion}}
{{Lutheran World Federation Churches}}
{{World Council of Churches}}
{{Christianity in Denmark}}
{{Christianity in Greenland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Church of Denmark| ]]
[[Category:1536 establishments in Denmark]]
[[Category:Lutheran World Federation members]]
[[Category:Members of the World Council of Churches]]
[[Category:National churches]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1536]]
[[Category:State churches (Christian)|Denmark]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1536]]
[[Category:Affirming Christian denominations in Europe]]

Church of Norway

2025-10-18T21:12:35Z

2A00:23C6:F3CF:F01:DC71:379B:1BE:6882: more specific Bible link

{{short description|Evangelical-Lutheran denomination in Norway}}
{{redirect|Norwegian Church||Norwegian Church (disambiguation)}}
{{for|church buildings|Churches in Norway}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name = Church of Norway
| native_name = Den norske kirke
| image = Den norske kirkes våpen.svg
| imagewidth = 150px
| caption = Coat of arms of the Church of Norway, a cross laid over two [[Olaf II of Norway|St. Olaf]]'s axes. Based on the coat of arms of 16th-century [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nidaros|archbishops of Nidaros]].
| leader_title = [[Preses (Church of Norway)|Preses]]
| leader_name = [[Olav Fykse Tveit]] of [[Nidaros]]
| main_classification = [[Christianity|Christian]]
| orientation = [[Lutheran]]{{efn|group=nb|The Church of Norway is a broad church encompassing a range of liturgical and theological expressions, including [[High church Lutheranism|High Church]], [[Low Church]], [[Liberal Christianity|Liberal]], and [[Folk church|Folk Church]] traditions.}}
| scripture = [[Protestant Bible]]
| theology = [[Lutheran theology]]{{efn|With various theological and doctrinal identities, including [[High church Lutheranism|High Church]], [[Liberal Christianity|Liberal]], and [[Folk church|Folk Church]] traditions.}}
| polity = [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]]
| founded_date = {{plainlist|
* 934 ([[Christianization of Scandinavia|Introduction of Christianity]])
* 1537 ([[Lutheran Reformation]])}}
| separated_from = [[Catholic Church in Norway|Catholic Church]]
| separations = [[Nordic Catholic Church]] (1999) [[Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Norway]] (2013)
| associations = {{plainlist|
* [[Lutheran World Federation]]
* [[World Council of Churches]]
* [[Conference of European Churches]]
* [[Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe]]
* [[Porvoo Communion]]}}
| area = [[Norway]]
| members = 3,526,133 (2021)<ref name="SSB">{{cite web |url= https://www.ssb.no/kultur-og-fritid/religion-og-livssyn/statistikk/den-norske-kirke |title= Den norske kirke |author=  |date= 15 June 2022 |website= |publisher= Statistics Norway |access-date= 2 September 2022 |archive-date= 2 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220902104011/https://www.ssb.no/kultur-og-fritid/religion-og-livssyn/statistikk/den-norske-kirke |url-status= live }}</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://kirken.no/|Official website}} {{in lang|no}} {{URL|https://kirken.no/english/|Official website}} {{in lang|en}}
}}
The '''Church of Norway''' ({{langx|nb|Den norske kirke}}, {{langx|nn|Den norske kyrkja}}, {{langx|se|Norgga girku}}, {{langx|sma|Nöörjen gærhkoe}}) is an [[Lutheranism|evangelical Lutheran]] denomination of [[Protestant Christianity]] and by far the largest Christian church in [[Norway]].<ref name="religionnews.com">{{cite news|url=http://religionnews.com/2017/01/05/norway-and-its-national-church-part-ways/|title=Norway and its national church part ways|newspaper=Religion News Service|date=5 January 2017|access-date=6 January 2017|archive-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401081739/https://religionnews.com/2017/01/05/norway-and-its-national-church-part-ways/|url-status=live}}</ref> Christianity became the [[state religion]] of Norway around 1020,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.norgeshistorie.no/vikingtid/religion-og-verdensbilder/0813-landet-blir-kristnet.html|title=Landet blir kristnet|first1=Om|last1=Norgeshistorie.no|first2=konservering og historie (IAKH) ved UiO|last2=Institutt for arkeologi|website=www.norgeshistorie.no|access-date=27 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227163305/https://www.norgeshistorie.no/vikingtid/religion-og-verdensbilder/0813-landet-blir-kristnet.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was established as a separate church intimately integrated with the state as a result of the [[Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein|Lutheran reformation in Denmark–Norway]] which broke ties with the [[Holy See]] in 1536–1537; the [[Monarchy_of_Norway#Church_of_Norway|Norwegian monarch]] was the church's titular head from 1537 to 2012. Historically, the church was one of the main instruments of state authority, and an important part of the state's administration. Local government was based on the church's parishes with significant official responsibility held by the parish priest.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Church of Norway gradually ceded most administrative functions to the secular civil service. The modern [[Constitution of Norway]] describes the church as the country's "[[National church|people's church]]" and requires the monarch to be a member.<ref name="abcnyheter">[http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/080410/losere-band-men-fortsatt-statskirke Løsere bånd, men fortsatt statskirke] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108043939/http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/080410/losere-band-men-fortsatt-statskirke |date=8 January 2014 }}, ABC Nyheter</ref><ref name="auto" /><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://fritanke.no/index.php?page=vis_nyhet&NyhetID=8840|title=Ingen avskaffelse: / Slik blir den nye statskirkeordningen|first=Human-Etisk|last=Forbund|date=15 May 2012 |access-date=24 July 2015|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120093721/https://fritanke.no/index.php?page=vis_nyhet&NyhetID=8840|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1">[http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/05/14/nyheter/innenriks/kirken/religion/21593869/ I dag avvikles statskirken] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918174020/http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/05/14/nyheter/innenriks/kirken/religion/21593869/ |date=18 September 2016 }} (State church will be abolished today), ''Dagbladet'', published 14 May 2012, accessed online 24 October 2015.</ref><ref>[https://kirken.no/nb-NO/konfirmasjon/sporsmal-og-svar/om-kirken/er-det-statskirke-i-norge/ State church in Norway?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042914/https://kirken.no/nb-NO/konfirmasjon/sporsmal-og-svar/om-kirken/er-det-statskirke-i-norge/ |date=4 March 2016 }}, Church of Norway, published, 6 March 2015, accessed 24 October 2015.</ref> It is by far the largest church in Norway; until the mid 19th century the state church had a near-total monopoly on religion in Norway. It was the only legal church in Norway, membership was mandatory for every person residing in the kingdom and it was forbidden for anyone other than the official priests of the state church to authorise religious meetings. After the adoption of the 1845 [[Dissenter Act (Norway)|Dissenter Act]], the state church retained its legally privileged position, while minority religious congregations such as Catholics were allowed to establish themselves in Norway and were legally termed "dissenters" (i.e. from the government-sanctioned Lutheran state religion).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.norgeshistorie.no/bygging-av-stat-og-nasjon/1425-kristen-norge-apnes.html |title=Kristen-Norge åpnes |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918082321/https://www.norgeshistorie.no/bygging-av-stat-og-nasjon/1425-kristen-norge-apnes.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="religionnews.com" /> Church employees were civil servants from the Reformation until 2017, when the church became a legal entity separate from the state administration. The Church of Norway is mentioned specifically in the [[Constitution of Norway|1814 constitution]] and is subject to the Church Act. Municipalities are required by law to support activities of parishes and to maintain church buildings and churchyards. Other religious communities are entitled to the same level of government subsidies as the Church of Norway.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/tro-og-livssyn/den-norske-kirke/innsiktsartikler/kirkens-okonomi/id2009472/|title=Endringer i finansiering av Den norske kirke som følge av skille mellom stat og kirke fra 1. januar 2017|last=Kulturdepartementet|date=5 March 2019|website=Regjeringen.no|language=no|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705152950/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/tro-og-livssyn/den-norske-kirke/innsiktsartikler/kirkens-okonomi/id2009472/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The church is led by [[ordination|ordained]] [[deacons]], [[priest]]s and [[bishop]]s. Deacons focus on serving those in need and assist the priests. Priests are traditionally and primarily divided into the ranks [[chaplain]], parish priest ({{Lang|no|sogneprest}}) who was traditionally the head of a parish ({{Lang|no|prestegjeld}}; literally area that owes allegiance to a priest), and [[provost (religion)|provost]] ({{Lang|no|prost}}). Bishops are elected and consecrated from the priesthood and are the leaders of [[diocese]]s. Today, most priests may hold the title of parish priest, while some priests who work directly under a provost are known as provostship priest ({{Lang|no|prostiprest}}). All priests and bishops were appointed by the [[King-in-Council]] until the late 20th century and thus held the status of {{Lang|no|embetsmann}} (higher civil servant appointed by the King). Prior to 2000, ordination required the theological civil servant examination ([[cand.theol.]]) that required six years of university studies, but from 2000 other equivalent degrees may also be accepted for certain applicants over the age of 35 with relevant experience.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kirken.no/globalassets/kirken.no/bispemotet/2018/dokumenter/bm-saksdokumenter/bm-27_18-kvalifikasjonskrav-for-prestetjeneste.pdf |title=Kvalifikasjonskrav for prestetjeneste |access-date=19 September 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917213627/https://kirken.no/globalassets/kirken.no/bispemotet/2018/dokumenter/bm-saksdokumenter/bm-27_18-kvalifikasjonskrav-for-prestetjeneste.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Overview==

Norway was gradually [[Christianization of Scandinavia#Norway|Christianized]] beginning at the end of the [[Early Middle Ages]] and was part of [[Western Christianity]], acknowledging papal authority until the 16th century. The Roman Catholic Church exercised a significant degree of sovereignty in Norway and essentially shared power with the [[King of Norway]] as the secular ruler. The [[Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein|Lutheran reformation in Denmark–Norway]] in 1536–1537 broke ties with the [[Holy See]], around two decades after the start of the [[Reformation|Protestant Reformation]]. It later resulted in the separation of dioceses in Norway and throughout the Nordic countries from the Catholic Church. These Lutheran [[state church]]es were integrated with the state and subject to royal authority. The Norwegian monarch, although a [[laity|layperson]], was deemed the head of the church until 2012, although in practice the bishops remained the spiritual leaders. Until the modern era, the Church of Norway was not only a religious organisation but also one of the most important instruments of state authority, and an important part of the state administration, especially at the local and regional levels.

The church professes to be "truly Catholic, truly Reformed, truly Evangelical" in the [[Lutheranism|Evangelical Lutheran]] tradition of Western [[Christianity|Christian]] faith, with its foundation on the ''[[Bible]]''{{'}}s ''[[Old Testament|Old]]'' and ''[[New Testaments]]'' and occasionally including the ''[[Apocrapha]]'', along with the three historic creeds of faith in the [[Apostles' Creed|Apostles']], [[Nicene Creed|Nicene]], and [[Athanasian Creed]]s, [[Luther's Small Catechism]], [[Luther's Large Catechism]], the [[Smalcald Articles]] and the [[Augsburg Confession]] of 1530, along with several other seminal documents in the ''[[Book of Concord|Book of Concord: Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church]]'' published in 1580. All Evangelical Lutheran clergy (bishops, priests/pastors, deacons and other ministers) are required to read and assent to the Book of Concord. The church is a member of [[Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe]], having signed the Leuenberg Agreement with other Lutheran and Reformed churches in 1973. It is also a member of the [[Porvoo Communion]] with 12 other churches, among them, the [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] churches of Europe. It has also signed other ecumenical texts, including the [[Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification]] with the [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan]] in the city of [[Lund]], [[Sweden]], in 2016.

As of 2017 the church is legally independent of the government. According to the [[Constitution of Norway|constitution]] it serves as the "people's church" in the [[Norway|Kingdom of Norway]].<ref name="abcnyheter"/><ref name="auto">{{cite news | url=https://www.nrk.no/norge/kirkeradet-skal-ansette-biskoper-1.8076910 | title=Staten skal ikke lenger ansette biskoper | date=16 April 2012 | language=no | publisher=NRK | access-date=3 January 2019 | archive-date=20 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120092729/https://www.nrk.no/norge/kirkeradet-skal-ansette-biskoper-1.8076910 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref>[https://kirken.no/nb-NO/konfirmasjon/sporsmal-og-svar/om-kirken/er-det-statskirke-i-norge/ State church in Norway?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042914/https://kirken.no/nb-NO/konfirmasjon/sporsmal-og-svar/om-kirken/er-det-statskirke-i-norge/ |date=4 March 2016 }}, Church of Norway, published, 6 March 2015, accessed 24 October 2015.</ref> Until 1969, the church's name for administrative purposes was simply the "State Church" or sometimes just "the Church", whereas the constitution described it as the "Evangelical-Lutheran Church". A constitutional amendment of 21 May 2012 designates the church as "Norway's people's church" ({{Lang|no|Norges Folkekirke}}), with a new provision that is almost a verbatim copy of the provision for the [[Folkekirken|Danish state church]] ({{Lang|da|folkekirken}}) in the [[Constitution of Denmark]]; the Minister of Church Affairs [[Trond Giske]] stressed that the reform meant that "the state church is retained",<ref name="abcnyheter"/> On 27 May 2016 [[Stortinget]] ([[Parliament of Norway]]) approved a new legislative act to establish the Church of Norway as an independent legal entity rather than a branch of the civil service, and the law took effect on 1 January 2017.<ref>[https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2016-05-27-17 Lov om endringer i kirkeloven (omdanning av Den norske kirke til eget rettssubjekt m.m.)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919121012/https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2016-05-27-17 |date=19 September 2016 }}, Bill passed on 27 May 2016 regarding the Church as a legal entity</ref><ref>[https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokument/dep/kud/sak/forvaltningsreform-for-et-tydelig-skille-mellom-kirke-og-stat/id2424037/ Reform for the separation of church and state] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191539/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokument/dep/kud/sak/forvaltningsreform-for-et-tydelig-skille-mellom-kirke-og-stat/id2424037/ |date=12 September 2017 }}, Royal Ministry of Culture</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/offisielt-fra-statsradet/id2501869/|title=Offisielt frå statsrådet 27. mai 2016|first=Statsministerens|last=kontor|date=27 May 2016|website=Regjeringa.no|access-date=14 September 2016|archive-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909185939/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/offisielt-fra-statsradet/id2501869/|url-status=live}}</ref> The church remains state funded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/Fortsatt-en-statsbudsjettkirke-162563b.html|title=Fortsatt en statsbudsjettkirke|date=7 March 2012 |access-date=24 April 2017|archive-date=12 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412142735/http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/Fortsatt-en-statsbudsjettkirke-162563b.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Organization ==
[[File:Bispedømmer i Norge.svg|thumbnail|Dioceses of the Church of Norway]]
[[File:Bakka kyrkje 1.jpg|thumbnail|Bakka kyrkje in Aurland, Sogn, Norway]]
[[File:Fordekyrkje.jpg|thumbnail|Førde kyrkje, Førde, Norway]]

===State and church===
Until 1845 the Church of Norway was the only legal religious organization in Norway and it was not possible for a person to end membership in the Church of Norway. The [[Dissenter Act (Norway)|Dissenter Act]] ({{Lang|no|Lov angaaende dem, der bekjende sig til den christelige Religion, uden at være medlemmer af Statskirken}}) was approved by the [[Storting]] on 16 July 1845 to allow the establishment of alternative religious (Christian) bodies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snl.no/dissenter|title=dissenter – Store norske leksikon|date=21 January 2023|access-date=1 July 2016|archive-date=20 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020173028/https://snl.no/dissenter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Unstad, Live: ''Religion, nasjonalisme og borgerdannelse. Religion og norsk nasjonal identitet – en analyse av dissenterlovene av 1845 og 1891''. Master thesis, University of Oslo, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/kud/samfunn_og_frivillighet/tro-og_livssyn/innstilling_om_lov_om_trossamfunn_avgitt_av_dissenterlovkomiteen_1962_.pdf |title=Info |website=www.regjeringen.no |access-date=1 July 2016 |archive-date=14 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814023036/https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/kud/samfunn_og_frivillighet/tro-og_livssyn/innstilling_om_lov_om_trossamfunn_avgitt_av_dissenterlovkomiteen_1962_.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> This act was replaced in 1969 by {{Lang|no|Lov om trudomssamfunn og ymist anna}}''.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1969-06-13-25|title=Lov om trudomssamfunn og ymist anna|publisher=Lovdata|access-date=1 July 2016|archive-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919163233/https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1969-06-13-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

Until 2012, the constitutional head of the church was the [[King of Norway]], who is still obliged to profess himself a Lutheran. After the constitutional amendment of 21 May 2012, the church is self-governed with regard to doctrinal issues and appointment of clergy.

The Church of Norway was subject to legislation, including its budgets, passed by the Storting, and its central administrative functions were carried out by the Royal Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs until 2017. Bishops and priests were civil servants also after the 2012 constitutional reform. Each parish has an autonomous administration. The state itself does not administer church buildings; buildings and adjacent land instead belong to the parish as an independent public institution.<ref name=NOU2006>[[Norwegian Official Report|NOU]] 2006: 2: ''Staten og Den norske kirke'' [The State and the Church of Norway]. Utredning fra Stat – kirke-utvalget oppnevnt ved kongelig resolusjon av 14. mars 2003. ([http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/kud/dok/nouer/2006/nou-2006-2.html?id=156177 Official report to the Minister of Culture available online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911001719/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/kud/dok/nouer/2006/NOU-2006-2.html?id=156177 |date=11 September 2014 }}).</ref> The Minister of Church Affairs, [[Trond Giske]], was responsible for proposing the 2012 amendments, explaining that "the state church is retained".<ref name="abcnyheter"/>

An act approved in 2016 created the Church of Norway as an independent legal entity, effective from 1 January 2017.<ref>[https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/offisielt-fra-statsradet/id2501869/ Offisielt frå statsrådet 27. mai 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909185939/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/offisielt-fra-statsradet/id2501869/ |date=9 September 2017 }} regjeringen.no «Sanksjon av Stortingets vedtak 18. mai 2016 til lov om endringer i kirkeloven (omdanning av Den norske kirke til eget rettssubjekt m.m.)
Lovvedtak 56 (2015–2016) Lov nr. 17
Delt ikraftsetting av lov 27. mai 2016 om endringer i kirkeloven (omdanning av Den norske kirke til eget rettssubjekt m.m.). Loven trer i kraft fra 1. januar 2017 med unntak av romertall I § 3 nr. 8 første og fjerde ledd, § 3 nr. 10 annet punktum og § 5 femte ledd, som trer i kraft 1. juli 2016.»</ref><ref>[https://stortinget.no/no/Saker-og-publikasjoner/Vedtak/Beslutninger/Lovvedtak/2015-2016/vedtak-201516-056/ Lovvedtak 56 (2015–2016) Vedtak til lov om endringer i kirkeloven (omdanning av Den norske kirke til eget rettssubjekt m.m.)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220253/https://stortinget.no/no/Saker-og-publikasjoner/Vedtak/Beslutninger/Lovvedtak/2015-2016/vedtak-201516-056/ |date=3 July 2018 }} Stortinget.no</ref>

===Structure===
The church has an episcopal-synodal structure, with 1,284 parishes, 106 deaneries, 11 dioceses and, since 2 October 2011, one area under the supervision of the [[Preses (Church of Norway)|Preses]]. The dioceses are, according to the rank of the five historic sees and then according to age:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! No
! Diocese
! Founded ''Dissolved''
! Cathedral
! Incumbent
|-
| I
| [[Diocese of Nidaros]]
| 1068
| [[Nidaros Cathedral]]
|{{plainlist|
* Bishop-[[Preses (Church of Norway)|Preses]] [[Olav Fykse Tveit]] (2020–present) ''([[Preses (Church of Norway)|Preses of Norway]])''
* Bishop [[Herborg Finnset]] (2017–present) ''(Bishop of Nidaros)'' }}
|-
| II
| [[Lutheran Diocese of Bjørgvin|Diocese of Bjørgvin]]
| 1068
| [[Bergen Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Ragnhild Jepsen]] (2023–present)
|-
| III
| [[Diocese of Oslo]]
| 1068
| [[Oslo Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Sunniva Gylver]] (2025–present)
|-
| (IV)
| [[Ancient Diocese of Stavanger|Diocese of Stavanger]]
| {{plainlist|
* 1112
* ''1682 (Moved to Kristiansand)'' }}
| [[Stavanger Cathedral]]
| n/a
|-
| (V)
| [[Ancient Diocese of Hamar|Diocese of Hamar]]
| {{plainlist|
* 1152
* ''1537 (united with Oslo)'' }}
| [[Cathedral Ruins in Hamar|Old Hamar Cathedral]]
| n/a
|-
| IV
| [[Diocese of Agder og Telemark]]
| 1682
| [[Kristiansand Cathedral]]
| Bishop-[[Preses (Church of Norway)|Vice Preses]] [[Stein Reinertsen]] (2012–present)
|-
|-
| (X)
| [[Diocese of Hålogaland]]
| {{plainlist|
* 1804
* ''1952 (split into Nord- and Sør-Hålogaland)'' }}
| {{plainlist|
* 1804: [[Alstahaug Church]]
* 1864: [[Tromsø Cathedral]] }}
| n/a
|-
| V
| [[Diocese of Hamar]]
| 1864
| [[Hamar Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Ole Kristian Bonden]] (2023–present)
|-
| VI
| [[Diocese of Stavanger]]
| 1925
| [[Stavanger Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Anne Lise Ådnøy]] (2019–present)
|-
| VII
| [[Diocese of Tunsberg]]
| 1948
| [[Tønsberg Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Jan Otto Myrseth]] (2018–present)
|-
| X
| [[Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland]]
| 1952
| [[Bodø Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Svein Valle]] (2023–present)
|-
| XI
| [[Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland]]
| 1952
| [[Tromsø Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Olav Øygard]] (2014–present)
|-
| VIII
| [[Diocese of Borg]]
| 1969
| [[Fredrikstad Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Kari Mangrud Alvsvåg]] (2022–present)
|-
| IX
| [[Diocese of Møre]]
| 1983
| [[Molde Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Ingeborg Midttømme]] (2008–present)
|}

===Governing bodies===
The General Synod of the Church of Norway, which convenes once a year, is the highest representative body of the church. It consists of 85 representatives, of whom seven or eight are sent from each of the dioceses. Of these, four are lay members appointed by the congregations; one is a lay member appointed by church employees; one is a member appointed by the clergy; and the bishop. In addition, one representative from the [[Sami people|Sami]] community in each of the three northernmost dioceses, representatives from the three theological seminaries, representatives from the youth council. Other members of the national council are also members of the general synod.

The national council, the executive body of the synod, is convened five times a year and comprises 15 members, of whom ten are lay members, four are clergy and one is the presiding bishop. It prepares matters for decision-making elsewhere and puts those decisions into effect. The council also has working and ad hoc groups, addressing issues such as church service, education and youth issues.

The Council on Ecumenical and International Relations deals with international and ecumenical matters, and the [[Sami Church Council (Church of Norway)|Sami Church Council]] is responsible for the Church of Norway's work among the country's indigenous Sami people.

The [[Bishops' Conference of the Church of Norway]] convenes three times a year, and consists of the twelve bishops in the church (the 11 [[diocesan bishop]]s and the [[Preses (Church of Norway)|Preses]]). It issues opinions on various issues related to church life and theological matters.

The church also convenes committees and councils both at the national level (such as the Doctrinal Commission ({{Lang|no|Den norske kirkes lærenemnd}}),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kirken.no/?event=doLink&famID=240|title=Startside kirken.no|website=Den norske kirke, Kirkerådet|access-date=25 August 2008|archive-date=14 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914194901/http://www.kirken.no/?event=doLink&famID=240|url-status=live}}</ref> and at diocesan and local levels, addressing specific issues related to education, ecumenical matters, the Sami minority and youth.

There are 1,600 Church of Norway churches and chapels. Parish work is led by a priest and an elected parish council. There are more than 1,200 clergy (in 2007, 21% were women ministers) in the Church of Norway. The Church of Norway does not own church buildings, which are instead owned by the parish and maintained by the municipality.

== Worship ==
The focus of church life is the Sunday High Mass (høymesse) where the [[Eucharist]] is celebrated. The main service is most commonly celebrated at 11:00 a.m. The liturgy is similar to that in use in the Roman Catholic Church. The language is entirely Norwegian, apart from the [[Kyrie Eleison]], and the singing of [[hymns]] accompanied by [[organ (music)|organ]] music is central. A priest (often with lay assistants) celebrates the service, wearing an [[alb]] and [[Stole (vestment)|stole]]. In addition, a [[chasuble]] is worn by the priest during the [[Eucharist]] and, increasingly, during the whole service.

The Church of Norway baptises children, usually infants, and usually as part of ordinary Sunday services.

This is a summary of the liturgy for High Mass:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kirken.no/?event=doLink&famID=9252|title=Startside kirken.no|website=Den norske kirke, Kirkerådet|access-date=9 January 2008|archive-date=6 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606012916/http://www.kirken.no/?event=doLink&famID=9252|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kirken.no/english|title=Church of Norway|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620224727/https://kirken.no/english|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Praeludium]]
* Opening Hymn
* Greeting
* Confession of Sin
* [[Kyrie]]
* [[Gloria in excelsis Deo|Gloria]]<ref>Only the first two verses of the Gloria are used.</ref> (This may be omitted during [[Lent]])
* [[Collect]] of the Day
(If there is a [[baptism]] it together with the Apostles' Creed may take place here or after the Sermon)
* First Lesson (Old Testament, an Epistle, the Acts of the Apostles or the Revelation to John)<ref>It is preceded by the singing of the acclamation: "God be praised! Halleluja. Halleluja. Halleluja."</ref>
* Hymn of Praise
* Second Lesson (An Epistle, the Acts of the Apostles, the Revelation to John or a Gospel)
* [[Apostles' Creed]]
* Hymn before the Sermon
* Sermon (concluding with the [[Gloria Patri]])
* Hymn after the Sermon
* Church Prayer (i.e., Intercessions)
(If there is no Communion, i.e., the [[Eucharist]], the service concludes with the Lord's Prayer, an optional Offering, the Blessing and a moment of silent prayer)
* Hymn before the Communion
* Threefold Dialogue and Proper Preface
* [[Sanctus]]
* Prayer before the Lord's Supper,
* [[Lord's Prayer]]
* [[Words of Institution]]
* [[Agnus Dei (liturgy)|Agnus Dei]]
* Reception of Communion
* Prayer of Thanksgiving after Communion
* Blessing
* Silent Prayer (as the church bell is toned nine – 3x3 – times)
* [[Postludium]]

== History ==
[[File:Farm altar in Hedmark Norway.jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|Old private altar in Hedmark, Norway]]

===Origin===
The Church of Norway traces its origins to the introduction of [[Christianity]] to [[Norway]] in the 9th century. Norway was Christianized as a result of missions from both the [[British Isles]] (by [[Haakon I of Norway]] and [[Olaf I of Norway]]), and from the Continent (by [[Ansgar]]). It took several hundred years to complete the Christianization, culminating on 29 July 1030 with the [[Battle of Stiklestad]], when King [[Olaf II of Norway]] was killed. One year later, on 3 August 1031, he was canonised in [[Nidaros]] by Bishop [[Grimketel|Grimkell]], and a few years later enshrined in [[Nidaros Cathedral]]. The cathedral with its [[St. Olav's shrine|shrine to St. Olav]] became the major Nordic place of pilgrimage until the Lutheran reformation in 1537. The whereabouts of Saint Olaf's grave have been unknown since 1568.

Saint Olaf is traditionally regarded as being responsible for the final conversion of Norway to Christianity, and is still seen as Norway's patron saint and "eternal king" (''[[Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae]]''). The Nordic churches were initially subordinate to the [[Archbishop of Bremen]], until the Nordic [[Archdiocese of Lund]] was established in 1103. The separate Norwegian [[Archdiocese of Nidaros]] (in today's [[Trondheim]]) was created in 1152, and by the end of the 12th century covered all of [[Norway]], parts of present [[Sweden]], [[Iceland]], [[Greenland]], the [[Isle of Man]], the [[Orkney Islands]], the [[Shetland Islands]], the [[Faroe Islands]] and the [[Hebrides]].
[[File:Urnes stavkirke 2009.JPG|thumb|[[Urnes Stave Church]]]]

Another site of medieval [[pilgrimage]] in [[Norway]] was the island of [[Selja, Selje|Selja]] on the northwest coast, with its memories of Saint [[Sunniva]] and its three monastery churches with [[Celtic mythology|Celtic]] influence, similar to [[Skellig Michael]].

===Reformation===
The [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] in Norway was accomplished by force in 1537 when [[Christian III of Denmark]] and Norway declared [[Lutheranism]] as the official religion of Norway and Denmark, sending the Roman Catholic archbishop, [[Olav Engelbrektsson]], into exile in [[Lier, Belgium|Lier]] in the Netherlands (now in Belgium). Catholic priests were persecuted, monastic orders were suppressed, and the crown took over church property, while some churches were plundered and abandoned, even destroyed. Bishops (initially called [[Superintendent (ecclesiastical)|superintendents]]) were appointed by the king. This brought forth tight integration between church and state. After the introduction of [[absolute monarchy]] in 1660 all clerics were civil servants appointed by the king, but theological issues were left to the hierarchy of bishops and other clergy.

When Norway regained national independence from Denmark in 1814, the [[Norwegian Constitution]] recognized the Lutheran church as the state church.

The [[pietism]] movement in Norway (embodied to a great extent by the [[Haugean]] movement fostered by [[Hans Nielsen Hauge]]) has served to reduce the distance between laity and clergy in Norway. In 1842, lay congregational meetings were accepted in church life, though initially with limited influence. In following years, a number of large Christian organizations were created; they still serve as a "second line" in Church structure. The most notable of these are the [[Norwegian Missionary Society]] and the [[Norwegian Lutheran Mission]].

During [[World War II]], after [[Vidkun Quisling]] became Minister President of Norway and introduced a number of controversial measures such as state-controlled education, the church's bishops and the vast majority of the clergy disassociated themselves from the government in the ''Foundations of the Church'' ({{Lang|no|Kirkens Grunn}}) declaration of Easter 1942, stating that they would function only as pastors for their congregations, not as civil servants. The bishops were interned with deposed clergy and theological candidates from 1943, but congregational life continued more or less as usual. For three years the Church of Norway was a church free of the State.

Since World War II, a number of structural changes have taken place within the Church of Norway, mostly to institutionalize lay participation in the life of the church.

== Current issues ==
{| cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" rules="all" style="width:200px; float:right; margin:1em; background:#fff; border:2px solid #aaa; font-size:100%;"
|- style="background:#f0f0f0; text-align:center;"
! Year!! Population <ref>[https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/list/folkemengde Population] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116002430/https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/list/folkemengde/ |date=16 November 2019 }} Statistics Norway</ref>!! Church of Norway Members!! Percentage !! Change Annually
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2000 || 4,503,436 || 3,869,147 || 85.9% ||
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2005 || 4,640,219 || 3,938,723 || 84.9% || 0.2% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2006 || 4,681,134 || 3,871,006 || 82.7% || 2.2% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2007 || 4,737,171 || 3,873,847 || 81.8% || 1.1% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2008 || 4,799,252 || 3,874,823 || 80.7% || 1.1% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2009 || 4,858,199 || 3,848,841 || 79.2% || 1.5% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2010 || 4,920,305 || 3,835,477 || 78.0% || 1.2% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2011 || 4,985,870 || 3,851,145 || 76.9% || 1.1% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2012 || 5,051,275 || 3,848,295 || 75.8% || 1.1% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2013 || 5,109,056 || 3,843,721 || 75.2% || 0.6% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2014 || 5,165,802 || 3,835,973 || 74.3% || 0.9% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2015 || 5,213,985 || 3,799,366 || 72.9% || 1.4% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2016 || 5,258,317 || 3,758,070 || 71.5% || 0.6% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2017 || 5,295,619 || 3,740,920 || 70.6% || 0.9% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2018 || 5,328,212 || 3,724,857 || 69.9% || 0.7% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2019 || 5,367,580 || 3,686,715 || 68.7% || 1.2% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2020 || 5,391,369 || 3,655,556 || 67.7% || 1.0% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| 2021 || 5,425,270 || 3,526,133 || 64.9% || 2.8% {{decrease}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
|2022
|5,488,984
|3,500,438
|63.8%
|1.1% {{decrease}}
|-style="text-align:center;"
|2023
|5,550,203
|3,472,195
|62.6%
|1.2% {{decrease}}
|-style="text-align:center;"
|2024
|5,594,340
|3,449,014
|61.7%
|0.9% {{decrease}}
|-
| colspan="5;" | References:<ref name="SSB"/><ref name="Church of Norway, 2019">[http://www.ssb.no/en/kultur-og-fritid/statistikker/kirke_kostra/aar Church of Norway, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125173428/http://www.ssb.no/en/kultur-og-fritid/statistikker/kirke_kostra/aar |date=25 November 2017 }} 17 May 2020 Statistics Norway</ref>
|}
Norwegians are registered at baptism as members of the Church of Norway, and many remain members, using services such as [[baptism]], [[confirmation]], marriage and burial, rites which still have cultural standing in Norway.

68.7% of Norwegians were members of the state Church of Norway as of the end of 2019, a 1.2% drop compared to the year before and down about 11% from ten years earlier. However, only 20% of Norwegians say that religion occupies an important place in their life (according to a recent{{when|date=April 2015}} [[The Gallup Organization|Gallup poll]]), making Norway one of the most secular countries of the world (only in [[Estonia]], [[Sweden]] and [[Denmark]] were the percentages of people who considered religion to be important lower), and only about 3% of the population attends church services or other religious meetings more than once a month.<ref>[http://www.forskning.no/artikler/2005/oktober/1128932447.69 Religiøsitet og kirkebesøk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105210342/http://www.forskning.no/artikler/2005/oktober/1128932447.69 |date=5 November 2013 }} (Religion and church attendance); Forskning.no, published 2005, retrieved 23 February 2014.</ref> [[Baptism]] of infants fell from 96.8% in 1960 to 51.4% in 2019, while the proportion of confirmands fell from 93% in 1960 to 54.4% in 2019.<ref name="Church of Norway, 2019"/><ref>[http://www.kirken.no/english/engelsk.cfm?artid=5276 Basics and statistics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714085413/http://www.kirken.no/english/engelsk.cfm?artid=5276 |date=14 July 2007 }} Church of Norway</ref> The proportion of weddings to be celebrated in the Church of Norway fell from 85.2% in 1960 to 31.3% in 2019.<ref name="Church of Norway, 2019"/><ref>[http://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/statistikker/ekteskap Marriages and divorces, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621135333/http://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/statistikker/ekteskap |date=21 June 2014 }} 2 April 2020 Statistics Norway</ref> In 2019 85.5% of all funerals took place in the Church of Norway.<ref name="Church of Norway, 2019"/> A survey conducted by Gallup International in 65 countries in 2005 found that Norway was the least religious among the Western countries surveyed, with only 36% of the population considering themselves religious, 9% considering themselves atheist, and 46% considering themselves "neither religious nor atheist".<ref name='klassekampen1'>{{cite news | first=Eline | last=Lønnå |author2=Kristin Rødland | title=Nordmenn minst religiøse | url =http://www.klassekampen.no/31940/mod_article/item | work =[[Klassekampen]] | access-date = 28 June 2009 |language = no | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717135229/http://www.klassekampen.no/31940/mod_article/item | archive-date=17 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Arctic Cathedral in Tromsoe.jpg|thumb|200px|The "[[Arctic Cathedral]]" in [[Tromsø]], example of modern church architecture in Norway]]

By law, all children with at least one parent-member become members of the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1996-06-07-31?q=kirkeloven|title=Lov om Den norske kirke (kirkeloven)|publisher=Lovdata|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620162327/https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1996-06-07-31?q=kirkeloven|url-status=live}}</ref> This has been controversial, because many become members without knowing, and this favours the Church of Norway over other churches. This law remained unchanged even after the separation of church and state in 2012.

In 2000, the Church of Norway appointed the first openly partnered gay priest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/septemberweb-only/24.0b.html|title=Lutheran Church of Norway Appoints Practicing Homosexual|date=September 2000 |access-date=8 July 2016|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013091519/http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/septemberweb-only/24.0b.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, a majority in the [[general synod]] voted in favour of accepting people living in same-sex relations into the priesthood.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.neweurope.eu/article/church-norway-ready-ordain-same-sex-priests/|title=Church of Norway ready to ordain same-sex priests|date=24 November 2007|language=en-US|access-date=8 July 2016|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225191232/https://www.neweurope.eu/article/church-norway-ready-ordain-same-sex-priests/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, the Norwegian Parliament voted to establish same-sex civil marriages, and the bishops allowed prayers for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2008/11/14/norwegian-bishops-consider-special-liturgy-for-gay-couples/|title=Norwegian bishops consider special liturgy for gay couples|date=14 November 2008|access-date=8 July 2016|archive-date=6 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606231025/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2008/11/14/norwegian-bishops-consider-special-liturgy-for-gay-couples/|url-status=live}}</ref> Traditionalist clergy and laity from the Church of Norway established the [[Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Norway]], a nonterritorial [[ecclesiastical province]] that only ordains men to holy orders and does not perform same-sex marriages in 2013. The Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Norway is a member of the [[International Lutheran Council]], which represents [[Confessional Lutheran]] bodies around the globe.<ref name="Ross2016">{{cite web |last1=Ross |first1=Paula Schlueter |title=Nordic Lutheran churches seek ILC membership |url=https://reporter.lcms.org/2016/nordic-lutheran-churches/ |publisher=[[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|Reporter]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |language=English |date=28 January 2016}}</ref> In 2014, a proposed [[liturgy]] for same-sex marriages was rejected by the general synod.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://xn--sambndet-d0a.no/2014/04/08/kirkemotet-avviste-liturgi-for-homofile/|title=Kirkemøtet avviste liturgi for homofile « Sambåndet|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918133146/https://sambaandet.no/2014/04/08/kirkemotet-avviste-liturgi-for-homofile/|url-status=live}}</ref> This question created much unrest in the Church of Norway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.magnelero.no/2012/08/06/kirkelig-avskalling/|title=Kirkelig avskalling|date=6 August 2012 |access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620181337/http://www.magnelero.no/2012/08/06/kirkelig-avskalling/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.k-s.no/artikkel/article/116910|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150427102546/http://m.k-s.no/artikkel/article/116910|url-status=dead|title=Normisjon vil utvikle menigheter (visited 27.04.15)|archive-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> In 2015, the Church of Norway voted to allow [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|same-sex marriages]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/norway-bishops-open-doors-to-gay-church-weddings/|title=Norway bishops open doors to gay church weddings|date=2 November 2015|access-date=4 November 2015|archive-date=23 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123110631/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/norway-bishops-open-doors-to-gay-church-weddings/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The decision was ratified on 11 April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-norway-approves-gay-marriage-after-20-years-of-internal-debate-161479/|title=Church of Norway Approves Gay Marriage After 20 Years of Internal Debate|date=12 April 2016|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170945/http://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-norway-approves-gay-marriage-after-20-years-of-internal-debate-161479/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first same-sex marriage ceremony in the church occurred on 1 February 2017 just after midnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://norwaytoday.info/news/first-gay-couple-wed/|title=First gay couple wed|work=Norway Today|date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203113857/http://norwaytoday.info/news/first-gay-couple-wed/|archive-date=3 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrk.no/norge/det-forste-homofile-paret-som-gifter-seg-kirkelig-1.13350701|title=Vi har ventet så lenge, at vi ikke har et sekund til å miste|date=30 January 2017|newspaper=NRK|language=no|access-date=4 February 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205095724/https://www.nrk.no/norge/det-forste-homofile-paret-som-gifter-seg-kirkelig-1.13350701|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bt.dk/udland/laest-klar-efter-36-aars-venten-kjell-og-erik-er-det-foerste-homopar-gift-i-norsk|title=Efter 36 års venten: Kjell og Erik er det første homopar gift i norsk kirke|newspaper=www.bt.dk|language=da|access-date=4 February 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205102018/http://www.bt.dk/udland/laest-klar-efter-36-aars-venten-kjell-og-erik-er-det-foerste-homopar-gift-i-norsk|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Legal status ==

On 21 May 2012, the Norwegian Parliament passed a constitutional amendment for the second time (such amendments must be passed twice in separate parliaments to come into effect) that granted the Church of Norway increased autonomy, and states that "the Church of Norway, an Evangelical-Lutheran church, remains Norway's people's church, and is supported by the State as such" ('people's church' or ''[[folkekirke]]'' is also the name of the [[Church of Denmark|Danish state church]], {{Lang|da|Folkekirken}}), replacing the earlier expression which stated that "the Evangelical-Lutheran religion remains the public religion of the State." The constitution also says that Norway's values are based on its Christian and humanist heritage, and according to the Constitution, the king is required to be Lutheran. The government still provides funding for the church as it does with other faith-based institutions, but the responsibility for appointing bishops and provosts now rests with the church instead of the government. Prior to 1997, the appointments of parish priests and residing chaplains was also the responsibility of the government, but the church was granted the right to hire such clergy directly with the new Church Law of 1997. The 2012 amendment implies that the church's own governing bodies, rather than the [[Council of State (Norway)|Council of State]], appoints bishops. The government and the parliament no longer have an oversight function with regard to day-to-day doctrinal issues, although the Constitution states that the church is to be Evangelical-Lutheran.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1814-05-17|title=Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov|website=lovdata.no|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411082635/https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1814-05-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>

After the changes in 1997 and 2012, until the change in 2017, all clergy remained civil servants (state employees), and the central and regional church administrations remained a part of the state administration. The Church of Norway is regulated by its own law ({{Lang|no|kirkeloven}}) and all municipalities are required by law to support the activities of the Church of Norway and municipal authorities are represented in its local bodies. The amendment was a result of a compromise from 2008. Minister of Church Affairs [[Trond Giske]] then emphasized that the Church of Norway remains Norway's [[state church]], stating that "the state church is retained. Neither the Labour Party nor the Centre Party had a mandate to agree to separate church and state."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/080410/losere-band-men-fortsatt-statskirke |title=Løsere bånd, men fortsatt statskirke – ABC Nyheter |access-date=20 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108043939/http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/080410/losere-band-men-fortsatt-statskirke |archive-date=8 January 2014 }}</ref> Of the government parties, the [[Labour Party (Norway)|Labour Party]] and the [[Centre Party (Norway)|Centre Party]] supported a continued state church, while only the [[Socialist Left Party (Norway)|Socialist Left Party]] preferred a separation of church and state, although all parties eventually voted for the 2008 compromise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/norge/1.2079701|title=Ap vil beholde statskirken|author=NRK|work=NRK|date=19 March 2007|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918133159/https://www.nrk.no/norge/ap-vil-beholde-statskirken-1.2079701|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senterpartiet.no/article51796.html|title=- Tilfreds med statskirke-forlik|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224124049/http://www.senterpartiet.no/article51796.html|archive-date=24 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The final amendment passed by a vote of 162–3. The three dissenting votes, [[Per Olaf Lundteigen|Lundteigen]], [[Christina Ramsøy|Ramsøy]], and [[Kjersti Toppe|Toppe]], were all from the [[Centre Party (Norway)|Centre Party]].<ref>[http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/her-vedtar-stortinget-aa-avvikle-statskirken-3786678.html Her vedtar Stortinget å avvikle statskirken] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524095259/http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/her-vedtar-stortinget-aa-avvikle-statskirken-3786678.html |date=24 May 2012 }} TV2. 21 May 2012</ref>

Though still supported by the state of Norway, the church ceased to be the official state religion on 1 January 2017 and its approximately 1250 active clergy therefore simultaneously ceased to be employed by the Norwegian government.<ref name=uipavvappp>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/norway-ends-500-year-old-lutheran-church-partnership-biggest-change-since-reformation-172480/|title=Norway Ends 500-Y-O Lutheran Church Partnership, 'Biggest Change Since the Reformation'|date=2 January 2017|access-date=3 January 2017|archive-date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201041716/http://www.christianpost.com/news/norway-ends-500-year-old-lutheran-church-partnership-biggest-change-since-reformation-172480/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity|Norway}}
* [[2011 Church of Norway elections]]
* [[List of cathedrals in Norway]]
* [[Sami Church Council (Church of Norway)|Sami Church Council]]
* [[Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of Norway]]
* [[Lutheran World Federation]]
* [[Sjømannskirken]]
* [[Nordic Catholic Church]]
* [[Norges kirker]]

;Other Nordic national Lutheran churches
* [[Church of Denmark]]
* [[Church of the Faroe Islands]]
* [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]]
* [[Church of Iceland]]
* [[Church of Sweden]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Church of Norway}}
* {{official website|http://www.kirken.no/english/}}
* [https://kirken.no/ Official website in Norwegian]
* [http://www.kirkesok.no/ Churches in Norway, locator] {{in lang|no}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=H3NBAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22The+Catholic+Church+in+Norway+was+a+direct%22&pg=PA342 Norway, the Lutheran Church of] in the Lutheran Cyclopedia
{{Religion in Norway}}
{{Christianity in Norway}}
{{Bishops of Norway}}
{{Porvoo Communion}}
{{Lutheran World Federation Churches}}
{{World Council of Churches}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Church Of Norway}}
[[Category:Church of Norway| ]]
[[Category:Members of the World Council of Churches|Norway]]
[[Category:National churches]]
[[Category:1537 establishments in Norway]]
[[Category:Protestantism in Norway]]
[[Category:Lutheran World Federation members]]
[[Category:State churches (Christian)|Norway]]
[[Category:Organizations established in the 1530s]]
[[Category:Affirming Christian denominations in Europe]]

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

2025-10-18T21:11:50Z

2A00:23C6:F3CF:F01:DC71:379B:1BE:6882: more specific Bible link

{{Short description|One of the national churches of Finland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| icon = Coat of Arms of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.svg
| name = Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
| native_name = Suomen evankelis-luterilainen kirkko ([[Finnish language|Finnish]]) Evangelisk-lutherska kyrkan i Finland ([[Swedish language|Swedish]])
| native_name_lang = fi
| imagewidth = 200px
| image = Turku cathedral 26-Dec-2004.jpg
| caption = [[Turku Cathedral]], the primatial and mother church of Finland
| type = [[National church]]
| main_classification = [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
| orientation = [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]]
| scripture = [[Protestant Bible]]
| theology = [[High church Lutheranism|High church Lutheran]]
| polity = [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]]
| leader_title = Primate
| leader_name = [[Tapio Luoma]]
| founded_date = 29 March 1809 ([[Diet of Porvoo]])
| founded_place =
| separated_from = [[Church of Sweden]]
| parent =
| merger =
| separations = [[Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland]] (2003)
| associations = [[Conference of European Churches]] [[Lutheran World Federation]] [[Porvoo Communion]] [[World Council of Churches]]
| area = [[Finland]]
| headquarters = [[Helsinki]]
| congregations =
| members = 3,508,082 (2024)<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=https://pxdata.stat.fi/PxWeb/pxweb/en/StatFin/StatFin__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11rx.px|title=Belonging to a religious community by age and sex, 1990-2024|date=21 July 2025 }} Statistics Finland</ref>
| website = {{URL|http://evl.fi}}
| footnotes =
}}
The '''Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland''' ({{langx|fi|Suomen evankelis-luterilainen kirkko}}; {{langx|sv|Evangelisk-lutherska kyrkan i Finland}}) is a [[national church]] of [[Finland]]. It is part of the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] branch of [[Christianity]]. The church has a legal position as a national church in the country, along with the [[Orthodox Church of Finland]].<ref>[http://www.ort.fi/fi/index.php Official site of the Finnish Orthodox Church] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006060507/http://www.ort.fi/fi/index.php |date=6 October 2007 }}.</ref>

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The church is a member of the [[World Council of Churches]] and the [[Conference of European Churches]]. It is also a member of the [[Porvoo Communion]] and is actively involved in ecumenical relations.

With 3.5 million members {{as of|2024|lc=y}}, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. It is Finland's largest religious community with 62.2% of the Finnish population being members of the church, as of 2024.<ref name="stats"/> The current [[primate (bishop)|head]] of the Church is [[Tapio Luoma]], [[Archbishop of Turku]], who succeeded [[Kari Mäkinen]] on 3 June 2018.

== History ==

=== Catholic bishopric ===
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland traces its lineage to the medieval [[Archdiocese of Turku|Diocese of Turku]], which coincides geographically with present-day Finland.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.evl.fi/arkkipiispa/piispat.htm |title=The table of Bishops and Archbishops of Turku Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Retrieved 11 October 2007. |access-date=11 October 2007 |archive-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911015741/http://www.evl.fi/arkkipiispa/piispat.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Christianity was introduced to Finland slowly: the first signs of the Christian faith being found in burial sites dated to the 9th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kristinuskon merkitys Suomen historiassa – Kristinusko toi tullessaan vapauden kohtalonuskosta, epätoivosta, tarkoituksettomuudesta ja henkivaltojen pelosta |last=Junkkaala |first=Timo |work=Seurakuntalainen |date=5 December 2017 |access-date=27 April 2023 |url=https://www.seurakuntalainen.fi/uutiset/kristinuskon-merkitys-suomen-historiassa-kristinusko-toi-tullessaan-vapauden-kohtalonuskosta-epatoivosta-tarkoituksettomuudesta-ja-henkivaltojen-pelosta/ |language=fi |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706164605/https://www.seurakuntalainen.fi/uutiset/kristinuskon-merkitys-suomen-historiassa-kristinusko-toi-tullessaan-vapauden-kohtalonuskosta-epatoivosta-tarkoituksettomuudesta-ja-henkivaltojen-pelosta/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Based on etymological evidence, it seems that its very first influences came to present-day Finland from the [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christian tradition]].<ref>[http://www.kookas.fi/articles/read/7114 Kristinuskon varhaisvaiheet Suomessa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024044146/http://www.kookas.fi/articles/read/7114 |date=24 October 2008 }} Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> Archaeological evidence shows that by the middle 12th century, Christianity was dominant in the region around present-day [[Turku]]. One legend recounts a crusade dated around 1054, but no contemporary or archaeological evidence backs the story. Another legend is that the martyr-bishop [[Henry, Bishop of Uppsala|St. Henry]] founded the Finnish Church, but that is also most likely fictional.<ref name="sana.fi">[http://www.sana.fi/etusivu/puheenvuorot/kun_kristinusko_suomeen_tuli/ Vuolanto, V. Kristinusko tuli Suomeen yli 850 vuotta sitten]. Sana. Kansan Raamattuseura. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024174407/http://www.sana.fi/etusivu/puheenvuorot/kun_kristinusko_suomeen_tuli/ |date=24 October 2007 }}</ref>

The introduction of Christianity was mostly a peaceful, slow process contemporaneous with the gradual integration with [[Sweden]], although a series of [[Swedish Crusades (disambiguation)|Swedish-led crusades]] were fought during this era.

The first bishop, whose name was [[Thomas (bishop of Finland)|Thomas]], lived in the first half of the 13th century. Thomas was granted resignation by Pope Innocent IV on 21 February 1245. According to the pope, Thomas had admitted committing several felonies, such as torturing a man to death, and forging a papal letter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/Sweden/Abo/abo.html|title=Chronicon episcoporum Finlandensium|website=www.columbia.edu|access-date=10 April 2021|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020093512/http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/Sweden/Abo/abo.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The ecclesiastical hierarchy was completely established during the [[Second Swedish Crusade]].

During the [[Middle Ages]], the Diocese of Turku was under the primacy of the [[Archbishop of Uppsala]], mirroring the country's Swedish political rule. The diocese had a school, making it capable of educating its own priests, but several Finns also studied abroad in the universities of Germany and Paris.

Before the Reformation, the most important monastic orders active in the bishopric were those of the [[Franciscan order|Franciscans]], the [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]], and the [[Bridgettines]]. The liturgy of the diocese followed the Dominican model.<ref>[http://www.helsinki.fi/hum/hist/yhd/julk/reval00/mikko.html Piippo, M. Kerjäläisveljestöjen saapuminen Itämerelle.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823121917/http://www.helsinki.fi/hum/hist/yhd/julk/reval00/mikko.html |date=23 August 2007 }} Historiallisia papereita 7. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

=== Part of the Church of Sweden ===
[[File:Church.20051224 PM.hollola of finland.ojp.jpg|thumb|The sixteenth-century [[Hollola]] church which was converted during the Reformation]]
The [[Swedish Reformation]] began during the reign of King [[Gustav Vasa]] (1527) and reached its conclusion in 1560. Sweden, like other Nordic countries, adopted the [[Lutheran]] form of Protestantism. Catholic monastic estates adopted the [[Lutheranism|Evangelical Lutheran]] faith, becoming Lutheran monasteries and Lutheran convents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medievalhistories.com/kloster-ebstorf-convent-bad-bevensen-near-luneburg/|title=Kloster Ebstorf|work=Medieval Histories |date=8 August 2014|language=en|access-date=20 November 2017|quote=The monastery is mentioned for the first time in 1197. It belongs to the group of so-called Lüneklöstern (monasteries of Lüne), which became Lutheran convents following the Protestant Reformation. […] It is currently one of several Lutheran convents maintained by the Monastic Chamber of Hanover (Klosterkammer Hannover), an institution of the former Kingdom of Hanover founded by its Prince-Regent, later King George IV of the United Kingdom, in 1818, in order to manage and preserve the estates of Lutheran convents.}}</ref>

The first Lutheran Bishop of [[Turku]] was Martinus Johannis Skytte, former [[Vicar General]] of the [[Order of Preachers|Dominican]] Province of Dacia. He retained most of the old Catholic forms within the Diocese, which was part of the now-independent [[Church of Sweden]].<ref>[http://www.arkkihiippakunta.fi/cgi-bin/linnea.pl?document=00010774 Martti Skytte (Martinus Johannis), 1528–50] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113113846/http://www.arkkihiippakunta.fi/cgi-bin/linnea.pl?document=00010774 |date=13 January 2009 }}. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> The doctrinal reformation of the Finnish Church took place during the episcopacy of [[Mikael Agricola]], who had studied at the [[University of Wittenberg]] under [[Martin Luther]].

Agricola [[Se Wsi Testamenti|translated]] the whole [[New Testament]] and large portions of the [[Old Testament]] into [[Finnish language|Finnish]]. In addition, he authored a large number of Finnish liturgical texts in the spirit of The Reformation, while preserving a number of decidedly Catholic customs such as the retention of many holy days including the [[Visitation (Christianity)|Visitation of Mary]] and [[Feast of the Holy Cross|Holy Cross Day]], and the use of the bishop's [[mitre]]. While images and sculptures of saints were retained in the churches, they were no longer venerated.<ref>[http://kotisivu.suomi.net/markku.nykanen/vanhatpyhat.html Entisiä pyhäpäiviä.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208000436/http://kotisivu.suomi.net/markku.nykanen/vanhatpyhat.html |date=8 February 2012 }} Retrieved 23 November 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tsv.fi/ttapaht/796/pirinen.html Pirinen, H. Luterilaisen kirkkointeriöörin muotoutuminen Suomessa]. Retrieved 23 November 2007. {{in lang|fi}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807162717/http://www.tsv.fi/ttapaht/796/pirinen.html |date=7 August 2007 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.evl.fi/arkkipiispa/Maskulainen20052005.htm Paarma, J. (2005) Seurakunnallista elämää Maskun Hemmingin aikana] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924004355/http://www.evl.fi/arkkipiispa/Maskulainen20052005.htm |date=24 September 2015 }}. Retrieved 23 November 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> Agricola was the first Bishop of Turku who was married.<ref>[http://www.mikaelagricola.fi/mikaelagricola/ Mikael Agricola] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322013657/http://www.mikaelagricola.fi/mikaelagricola/ |date=22 March 2015 }}. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

[[File:Henrik sormi.JPG|thumb|left|The seal of the Diocese of Turku during the 16th and 17th centuries featured the finger of St Henry. The post-Reformation diocese included the relic of a pre-Reformation saint in its seal.]]
By the end of the 16th century, the Swedish Reformation was finally complete, and the following century was known as the period of [[Lutheran orthodoxy]]. Membership in the church was obligatory, as was attendance at [[Divine Service (Lutheran)|Divine Service]].

In newly conquered [[Finnish Karelia]], the Lutheran Church suppressed the [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] of the local population, which drove a large number to Russia.

At this time, the Church started to lay the foundations for comprehensive education, in which every person was required to know the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Parish [[verger]]s were given the duty of instructing children in reading and in the [[Catechism]]. The education of priests was improved, [[the Royal Academy of Turku]] was founded, and the educational system was codified in the Church Act of 1686.

In the early 18th century, Finland was occupied by Russia for a decade during the [[Great Northern War]]. A large portion of Finland was annexed by Russia, where the Lutheran church remained active despite being under Russian rule. The two branches of Finnish Lutheranism that were thereby divided were reunited in the early 19th century.

In both Russia and Sweden, Lutheranism was greatly affected by the theology of [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]], which had the effect of secularizing the Church. This, and the lavish lifestyle of parish [[vicar]]s, caused public resentment which became visible in popular local [[Christian revival|revival]] movements.<ref>[http://hybris_x.tripod.com/kirkko.htm Suomen kirkkohistoria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919160439/http://hybris_x.tripod.com/kirkko.htm |date=19 September 2008 }}. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

=== An independent state church ===
[[File:Turku Cathedral on December morning.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Cathedral of Turku]] is considered the national shrine of Finland, and is the seat of its ''de facto'' primate.]]
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is a successor to the [[Church of Sweden]] of which it was a part until 1809, when the [[Grand Duchy of Finland]] was established as a part of the [[Imperial Russia|Russian Empire]], and consequently shared [[State religion|established status]] with the [[Finnish Orthodox Church]].

In 1869, a new Church Act was passed by the [[Diet of Finland|Finnish ''Lantdag'']]. The Act separated church and the state, giving the church its own legislative body, known as the central [[Synod]].

Changes in ecclesiastical form could be made only by the central Synod, which had the sole right to propose changes to the Church Act. These changes could subsequently either be passed or vetoed by the ''Lantdag'' and the Russian Emperor.<ref>[http://www.helsinki.fi/publaw/tutkimus/vaitoskirjat/Leino.pdf Leino, P. ''Kirkkolaki vai laki kirkosta. Hallinto-oikeudellinen tutkimus kirkon oikeudellisista normeista ja niiden synnystä''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307205834/http://www.helsinki.fi/publaw/tutkimus/vaitoskirjat/Leino.pdf |date=7 March 2008 }}. Abstract. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> A year earlier, Lutheran parishes had been differentiated from the secular municipalities, with both being given their own finances and administrative bodies.

The Church's general responsibility for comprehensive education and for the care of the poor was transferred to the secular municipalities. The Church accepted separation from the state, because the [[head of state]] was the [[Russian Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] Russian Emperor, it regarded complete integration with the state as problematic.<ref name="suol.fi">[http://www.suol.fi/raamattunet/1800luku.html 1800-luku – kirkon itsenäistymisen ja herätysliikkeiden aika Suomessa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728145334/http://www.suol.fi/raamattunet/1800luku.html |date=28 July 2011 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

In 1889, an act was passed allowing other Christian denominations to act freely in the country, and members of the Lutheran Church were given the right to leave the church to join other Christian communities.<ref>[http://www.uskonnonvapaus.fi/artikkelit/historia-suomi.l.html#5 ''Suomen uskonnonvapauden historia''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918172935/http://www.uskonnonvapaus.fi/artikkelit/historia-suomi.l.html#5 |date=18 September 2007 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007 {{in lang|fi}}</ref> Since 1923, it has been possible to leave the state [[National church|church]] without having to join another religious congregation.

During the early 19th century, several [[revivalist movement]]s were formed, four of which were particularly prominent. These movements were:
* {{Lang|fi|Rukoilevaisuus}} (those who kneel to pray, or pray frequently), founded by peasant girl Liisa Erkintytär, and later, by the priest Abraham Achrenius. The movement has been active mostly in Western Finland.
* [[Awakening (Finnish religious movement)|''The Awakening'']] (also called Pietists), founded by the peasant [[Paavo Ruotsalainen]].
* {{Lang|fi|Evankelisuus}} (connected to [[Neo-Lutheranism]]), founded by the priest [[Fredrik Gabriel Hedberg]].
* [[Laestadianism]], founded by [[Lars Levi Laestadius]].

The revivalists met strong opposition from the bishops and the educated part of the population but drew large followings in the countryside. In modern Finnish [[historiography]], the revivalist movements have been considered to be a part of the social upheaval caused by the modernization of society.<ref name="suol.fi" /><ref>[http://lestadiolaisuus.info/yhteiskunta/kansanliike_heratysliike_tutkimuskohteena.php Kansan- ja herätysliikkeet tutkimuskohteina] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017045059/http://lestadiolaisuus.info/yhteiskunta/kansanliike_heratysliike_tutkimuskohteena.php |date=17 October 2015 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007 {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

In the late 19th century, the Church started to face opposition from [[liberalism]], the position of the Church being particularly questioned by the emerging labor movement. The Church was also challenged by the [[Baptists in Finland|Baptist]] faith and the [[Methodist]] faith, which became the first two private religious communities in Finland.

The Church reacted by allowing its own revivalist movements more freedom and by starting new youth activities such as Sunday schools and Christian youth associations, but the main current of Finnish nationalism was affected by Lutheranism. For example, the most important philosopher of Finnish nationalism, [[Johan Vilhelm Snellman]], considered Lutheranism an important factor of the Finnish identity, although he was critical of the Church as an organization.<ref>[http://agricola.utu.fi/nyt/arvos/arvostelut.php?hakukohde=haku_lisatty&jarjestys=uusimmat&haku=&sivu=23&vps=50&arvostelu=1058 Kalleinen, K. Monumentti monumentista] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325052121/http://agricola.utu.fi/nyt/arvos/arvostelut.php?hakukohde=haku_lisatty&jarjestys=uusimmat&haku=&sivu=23&vps=50&arvostelu=1058 |date=25 March 2008 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

=== Disestablished national church ===
In the early 20th century, the old ''Landtag'', based on the four [[estates of the realm]], was changed into a [[unicameralism|unicameral]] parliament ([[Eduskunta]]) selected by equal vote.

In 1908, an amendment of the Church Act freed church members from the legal duty to participate in [[Holy Communion]] at least once a year. After this, church attendance dropped and has since become an indicator of personal religious opinion. (See also ''[[kyrkogångsplikt]]'', the previous requirement to attend church services.)

Finnish independence, in 1917, was immediately followed by the [[Finnish Civil War]], with the church associating itself with the White (nationalist) side, while the [[Red Guards (Finland)|Red Guard]]s embraced [[anticlericalism]] to the point of murdering priests.

In the [[Constitution of Finland|Constitution]] of 1919, the new republic was deemed to be non-confessional and [[freedom of religion|freedom of worship]] was enshrined as a right.

In 1923, this right was further implemented through the Freedom of Religion Act. Although the act gave the right for every adult Finn to leave the Church (and consequently be free from the duty of paying Church tax), the vast majority of the people remained members, regardless of their political leanings. In the early part of the 20th century, a number of Eastern Orthodox Finns became Evangelical Lutheran, choosing to have their children [[baptism|baptised]] as Evangelical Lutherans.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kupari |first1=Helena |last2=Vuola |first2=Elina |title=Orthodox Christianity and Gender: Dynamics of Tradition, Culture and Lived Practice |date=17 October 2019 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-351-32986-6 |language=en |quote=Many Orthodox Finns changed their Russian names to Finnish ones, including the future Archbishop Paul himself. Many abandoned Orthodox and joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Orthodox parents frequently allowed their children to be baptized Lutheran.}}</ref>

[[File:Kenttapappi-jorma-heiskanen.jpg|thumb|right|A Finnish military chaplain administering Holy Communion in 1940, during the [[Winter War]]. The shared experience of battle shaped the Church and the society for decades and affected the stance of the Church in social policy strongly.]]
During the [[Second World War]], the church was an important factor in Finnish nationalism. The common nationalist cry during the war was ''For the home, the religion and the Fatherland'' ({{langx|fi|Kodin, uskonnon ja isänmaan puolesta}}, {{langx|sv|För hem, tro och fosterland}}). In addition, during the war, the church participated actively in social work, thereby coming closer to the labour movement.

Military chaplains, who shared the life of the common soldiers for several years, also grew closer to the life of the working class. At the war's end, these so-called ''brother-in-arms priests'' ({{langx|fi|asevelipapit/vapenbrödra präster}}) continued their work among factory workers. Elsewhere in society, liturgical, family, and youth works emerged as new forms of church activity, and the position of laity within the Church was strengthened. The so-called fifth revivalist movement also began as a result of revivals experienced during the war. [[Martti Simojoki]] and [[Mikko Juva]] were two former military chaplains who became Finnish archbishops, their time in the office covering two decades.<ref>[http://personal.inet.fi/koti/rossi/ue5m.html UE5 Mihin suomalainen uskoo?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825191247/http://personal.inet.fi/koti/rossi/ue5m.html |date=25 August 2014 }} Retrieved 10 October 2007</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lapuanhiippakunta.fi/fi/esitelma_teuvalla_ingman-seminaarissa_3072005/ |author=Peura, S. |title=Esitelmä Teuvalla Ingman-seminaarissa |date=30 July 2005 |language=fi |access-date=11 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190158/http://www.lapuanhiippakunta.fi/fi/esitelma_teuvalla_ingman-seminaarissa_3072005/ |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the 1960s, the church faced strong opposition from the radical left, who considered it an old-fashioned fortress of reaction and criticized the rudiments of the church's position within the state.

The 1966 [[blasphemy]] trial of novelist [[Hannu Salama]] became a ''[[cause célèbre]]'' for the [[antiestablishmentarianism|antiestablishmentarian]] position. Salama was sentenced to three months in prison but placed on probation, before subsequently being pardoned by [[President of Finland|President]] [[Urho Kekkonen]].<ref>[http://yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=4&ag=23&t=77&a=480 Yle Elävä arkisto. Jumalanpilkka oikeudenkäynti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728173842/http://yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=4&ag=23&t=77&a=480 |date=28 July 2014 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

Another widely criticized aspect of the Finnish Church-State relationship was the prohibition of public dances and movie theaters on Saturdays preceding certain Sundays, a ban that remained in effect until 1968.<ref>[http://kotisivu.suomi.net/markku.nykanen/rukousp.html Nykänen, M. Rukouspäivät] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208000428/http://kotisivu.suomi.net/markku.nykanen/rukousp.html |date=8 February 2012 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

The Church responded to its unpopular situation by a program of modernization.

During the 1970s, work on new Finnish [[Bible translation]]s and a new [[Virsikirja|hymnal]] was begun. The hymnal, which incorporated a large number of revivalist and youth hymns, was adopted in 1986. In addition, a new Bible translation (based on the theory of [[dynamical equivalence]]) was completed and approved for use in 1992.<ref>[http://www.evl.fi/kkh/kt/uutiset/mar97/virsi10v.htm Uusi virsikirja täyttää adventtina 10 vuotta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183255/http://www.evl.fi/kkh/kt/uutiset/mar97/virsi10v.htm |date=3 March 2016 }}. The information center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland 2002. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nic.funet.fi/pub/doc/bible/fi/1992/lukijalle.html Raamatun lukijalle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524104555/http://www.nic.funet.fi/pub/doc/bible/fi/1992/lukijalle.html |date=24 May 2016 }}. Pyhä Raamattu. Suomen evankelisluterilaisen kirkon kirkolliskokouksen vuonna 1992 hyväksymä käännös. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> Finally, the Synod [[Ordination of women|opened the priesthood to women]], a change that was first discussed, but not passed, by the Synod in 1963, and which continues to cause controversy.<ref>[http://evl.fi/EVLfi.nsf/Documents/B88994A66527186AC22572E300212DA8?OpenDocument&lang=FI Naispappeuden vaiheita.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228022836/http://evl.fi/EVLfi.nsf/Documents/B88994A66527186AC22572E300212DA8?OpenDocument&lang=FI |date=28 February 2008 }} Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> In response, traditionalist clergy and laity from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, established, in 2003, the [[Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland]], a nonterritorial [[ecclesiastical province]] that only ordains men to holy orders and does not perform same-sex marriages. The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland is a member of the [[International Lutheran Council]], which represents [[Confessional Lutheran]] bodies around the globe.<ref name="Ross2016">{{cite web |last1=Ross |first1=Paula Schlueter |title=Nordic Lutheran churches seek ILC membership |url=https://reporter.lcms.org/2016/nordic-lutheran-churches/ |publisher=[[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|Reporter]] |access-date=7 May 2021 |language=English |date=28 January 2016}}</ref>

== Position in Finnish society ==
{| cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width=300 align="right" rules="all" style="margin: 1em; background: #ffffff; border: 2px solid #aaa; font-size: 100%;"
|- bgcolor=#DDDDDD
| colspan=12 align="center" | '''Religion in Finland<ref name="stats"/><ref>[http://tilastokeskus.fi/tup/suoluk/suoluk_vaesto_en.html Population structure: Religion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018134205/http://www.tilastokeskus.fi/tup/suoluk/suoluk_vaesto_en.html |date=18 October 2017 }} 21 July 2025 Statistics Finland</ref> '''
|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0 align="center"
! Year
! Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
! Finnish Orthodox Church
! Other
! No religious affiliation
|- align="center"
| 1950 || 95.7% || 1.7% || 0.4% || 2.7%
|- align="center"
| 1980 || 90.3% || 1.1% || 0.7% || 7.8%
|- align="center"
| 1990 || 87.9% || 1.1% || 0.9% || 10.2%
|- align="center"
| 2000 || 85.1% || 1.1% || 1.1% || 12.7%
|- align="center"
| 2005 || 83.1% || 1.1% || 1.1% || 14.7%
|- align="center"
| 2010 || 78.2% || 1.1% || 1.4% || 19.2%
|- align="center"
| 2011 || 77.2% || 1.1% || 1.5% || 20.1%
|- align="center"
| 2012 || 76.4% || 1.1% || 1.4% || 21.0%
|- align="center"
| 2013 || 75.3% || 1.1% || 1.4% || 22.1%
|- align="center"
| 2014 || 73.8% || 1.1% || 1.6% || 23.5%
|- align="center"
| 2015 || 73.0% || 1.1% || 1.6% || 24.3%
|- align="center"
| 2016 || 72.0% || 1.1% || 1.6% || 25.3%
|- align="center"
| 2017 || 70.9% || 1.1% || 1.6% || 26.3%
|- align="center"
| 2018 || 69.8% || 1.1% || 1.7% || 27.4%
|- align="center"
| 2019 || 68.7% || 1.1% || 1.7% || 28.5%
|- align="center"
| 2020 || 67.8% || 1.1% || 1.7% || 29.4%
|- align="center"
| 2021 || 66.6% || 1.1% || 1.7% || 30.6%
|- align="center"
| 2022 || 65.2% || 1.1% || 1.8% || 32.0%
|-align="center"
| 2023 || 63.6% || 1.0% || 1.8% || 33.6%
|- align="center"
|2024
|62.2%
|1.0%
|1.8%
|34.9%
|}

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has a legal position as a national church in the country alongside the [[Finnish Orthodox Church]]. The [[Constitution of Finland]] provides for a Church Act (''kirkkolaki'') to organize and govern the Evangelical Lutheran Church;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1999/731|title=FINLEX ® – Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö: Suomen perustuslaki 731/1999|last=Edita Publishing Oy|website=www.finlex.fi|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=21 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221034917/http://finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1999/19990731#L6P76|url-status=live}}</ref> the Act can only be amended with the initiative of the Synod of the Church – maintaining their [[#An independent state church|autonomy since Tsarist times]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054|title=FINLEX ® – Ajantasainen lainsäädäntö: Kirkkolaki 1054/1993|last=Edita Publishing Oy|website=finlex.fi|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529034145/https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1993/19931054#O1L2P2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2019/19|title=FINLEX ® – Hallituksen esitykset: HE 19/2019|website=finlex.fi|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=7 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707105002/https://www.finlex.fi/fi/esitykset/he/2019/20190019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12228589|title=Heikki Hiilamon kolumni: Kirkko rakentaa itselleen suojakilpeä syrjinnälle|date=20 December 2021|website=Yle Uutiset|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=13 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113023853/https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12228589|url-status=live}}</ref>

Finnish society has experienced a general [[secularization]], and membership in the church has decreased in recent decades. In 2015, [[Eroakirkosta.fi]], a website which offers an electronic service for resigning from Finland's state churches, reported that half a million church members had resigned from the church since the website was opened in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eroakirkosta.fi/media/none/tiedote_10_2015.html?year=2015|title=Eroakirkosta.fi-palvelulla 500 000 käyttäjää – Uskontokuntiin kuulumattomien osuus kaksinkertaistunut|website=eroakirkosta.fi|date=30 September 2015 |access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517013546/https://eroakirkosta.fi/media/none/tiedote_10_2015.html?year=2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, the church retains the allegiance of a large majority of the population, a special role in state ceremonies, and the right to collect the church tax from its members in conjunction with governmental income taxation. In addition to the membership tax, businesses also participate to some extent by a tax that is distributed to the church.

Avoidance of the church tax (between 1 and 2 percent depending on location) has been a popular reason cited for defections from the Church.<ref>[http://www.eroakirkosta.fi/media/english/resign.txt Internet Deconstructing State Church in Finland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311200345/http://www.eroakirkosta.fi/media/english/resign.txt |date=11 March 2007 }}.</ref> In 2010, the number of defections hit a record of 83,097, caused in part by the church's position that homosexuality is a sin. That position was made clear on a Finnish television discussion program concerning gay rights that was broadcast on 12 October 2010, in which church clergy and laymen were divided both for and against proposed legal amendments to increase LGBT rights.<ref name="hsie">[http://www.hs.fi/english/article/1135260979317 "Up to 18,000 leave Lutheran Church over statements on gay current affairs programme"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022082143/http://www.hs.fi/english/article/1135260979317 |date=22 October 2012 }}, ''Helsingin Sanomat'', 18 October 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.</ref><ref name="mikko">Mikko Alanne, [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mikko-alanne/30000-leave-church-in-fin_b_772176.html "30,000 Leave Church in Finland over Gay Rights: A lesson in homophobia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026001656/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mikko-alanne/30000-leave-church-in-fin_b_772176.html |date=26 October 2010 }}, ''HuffPost'', 21 October 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.</ref>

[[Stefan Wallin]], Finland's minister responsible for church affairs, accused [[Päivi Räsänen]], the leader of the [[Christian Democrats (Finland)|Christian Democrats]], of deliberately taking a public position against homosexuality and gay rights in order to drive away from the church those people who might hold more liberal views on gay acceptance.<ref name="wallin">[http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/domestic-news/politics/12888-wallin-blames-raesaenen-for-churchs-pr-disaster-.html "Wallin blames Räsänen for church's PR disaster"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119022547/http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/domestic-news/politics/12888-wallin-blames-raesaenen-for-churchs-pr-disaster-.html |date=19 November 2018 }}, ''Helsinki Times'', 18 October 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.</ref>

On 9 February 2011, the ELCF Bishops' Conference issued a "Pastoral instruction concerning free prayer with and for those who have registered their civil partnership", which can be conducted either privately or publicly in a church, with or without guests, but which is not to be confused with "the blessing of a partnership comparable to marriage".<ref>[http://sakasti.evl.fi/sakasti.nsf/0/F359F1ED9F897DD0C225770E0034026E/$FILE/PASTORAALINEN-OHJE.pdf Pastoral instruction concerning free prayer with and for those who have registered their civil partnership (in Finnish)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017045059/http://sakasti.evl.fi/sakasti.nsf/0/F359F1ED9F897DD0C225770E0034026E/$FILE/PASTORAALINEN-OHJE.pdf |date=17 October 2015 }}.</ref>

As of 2022, just 65.2% of Finns belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a decline of 13.0 percentage points from 2010. The highest share of the population belonging to the church is in [[South Ostrobothnia]], where 81.9% belong to the church. Meanwhile, the lowest share is in [[Uusimaa]], where the proportion is 53.8%. On a municipal level, there are only three municipalities where over 90% belong to the church; [[Perho]], [[Kinnula]] and [[Reisjärvi]]. [[Helsinki]] (47.6%) and [[Vantaa]] (49.1%) are municipalities where a minority of the population belong to the church.<ref>{{cite web |title=Key figures on population by region, 1990–2022 |url=https://pxdata.stat.fi/PxWeb/pxweb/en/StatFin/StatFin__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11ra.px/ |website=stat.fi |access-date=12 July 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124124821/https://pxdata.stat.fi/PxWeb/pxweb/en/StatFin/StatFin__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11ra.px/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Teachings ==
[[File:Vihkimistilaisuus Kiuruveden kirkossa.JPG|thumb|upright|A wedding in [[Kiuruvesi]]]]
[[File:Juhannussaarna.JPG|thumb|A ''[[Juhannus]]'' ceremony]]
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland sees itself as part of the [[Four Marks of the Church|one, holy, catholic, and apostolic]] Church. It is [[Lutheran]] in doctrine, following the teachings of [[Martin Luther]]. The church is a member of the [[Lutheran World Federation]] and the [[Porvoo Communion]], but has not signed the [[Leuenberg Agreement]].

The faith of the Church is pronounced in the three [[Confession (religion)|confessions]] of the old church ([[Apostles' Creed]], [[Nicene Creed]] and [[Athanasian Creed]]) and the Lutheran confessional documents as defined in the ''[[Book of Concord]]''.<ref>[http://www.evl.fi/tunnustuskirjat/ Suomen ev.lut kirkon tunnustuskirjat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014717/http://www.evl.fi/tunnustuskirjat/ |date=30 September 2007 }}. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] 1:1§. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

The practical faith is described in the [[catechism]] of the church, which is based on and literally includes the [[Luther's Small Catechism]]. The latest version of the catechism was accepted by the General Synod in 1999.<ref name="cat2">''[http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf Catechism] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200624/http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf |date=27 September 2007 }},'' Christian doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, p. 2. Retrieved 11 October 2007.</ref>

The Church accepts the doctrines of the [[virgin birth of Jesus|virgin birth]] and bodily resurrection.<ref name="cat32" />

The church does not embrace [[creationism]] but states:<ref name="cat32">''[http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf Catechism] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200624/http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf |date=27 September 2007 }},'' Christian doctrine of EVL, pp. 32, 35–57, 43–44. Retrieved 11 October 2007.</ref>
{{blockquote|God is the Creator of all. With his word he created the entire universe. Science studies the mystery of the genesis of the world as well as the evolution of nature and people. Faith trusts that underlying all is God's creative will and love for the creation.}}

Among contemporary doctrines, the church takes a moderate position.

The Church allows its members to work as military personnel or as judges, considering these duties important to the welfare of society.<ref name="cat16">''[http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf Catechism] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200624/http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf |date=27 September 2007 }},'' Christian doctrine of EVL, pp. 16, 18–22. Retrieved 11 October 2007.</ref>

=== Human sexuality ===
The relation of the church to sexuality is somewhat ambiguous, strictly condemning extramarital sex but in relation to premarital sex stating:<ref name="cat16" />
{{blockquote|Sexuality disconnected from love and from responsibility enslaves people, bringing harm to themselves and others.}}

=== Divorce, remarriage, and reproductive health care ===
Divorce and subsequent remarriage is accepted, with reservations.<ref name="cat16" /> Abortion is accepted, because the church deems that the woman has the right to decide to terminate the pregnancy but the woman is not allowed to make the decision alone. Abortion should be limited to serious cases where the birth would cause serious danger or suffering either to the family or the child. Such cases should be defined in legislation, which is the case in Finland. However, the woman pondering abortion should get all possible support before and after the decision, regardless of its outcome.<ref>[http://sakasti.evl.fi/sakasti.nsf/0/AC5B7C3890F48F5AC22577030038D858/%24FILE/rakkauden_lahja.pdf Rakkauden lahja] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105010608/http://sakasti.evl.fi/sakasti.nsf/0/AC5B7C3890F48F5AC22577030038D858/%24FILE/rakkauden_lahja.pdf |date=5 January 2016 }}. Piispojen puheenvuoro perheestä, avioliitosta ja seksuaalisuudesta. Kirjapaja. Helsinki 2008. P. 94–96. {{in lang|fi}} Retrieved 5 December 2015. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

=== LGBTQ inclusion ===
On [[LBGT|LGBT]] issues, the Church has been engaged in dialogue. The church has no official policy on the ordination of gay clergy, and, since 2002, "one bishop has declared his willingness to ordain homosexuals."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ucc.org/global-trend-worlds-oldest|title=Global trend: World's oldest Protestant churches now ordain gays and lesbians|newspaper=United Church of Christ|access-date=28 October 2016|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710184632/http://www.ucc.org/global-trend-worlds-oldest|url-status=dead}}</ref> The synod of bishops has stated that sexual minorities should not be shunned or persecuted, but that they are, as all people, responsible for the applications of their sexuality. In 2010, the church took a more open position and voted to allow prayer services to be given following a civil same-sex union.<ref>{{cite web|title=Finland's State Church to Sanction Prayer for Gay Marriages|url=http://www.towleroad.com/2010/11/finlands-state-church-to-sanction-prayer-for-gay-marriages/|website=towleroad.com|date=12 November 2010|publisher=Towleroad|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-date=17 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217203223/http://www.towleroad.com/2010/11/finlands-state-church-to-sanction-prayer-for-gay-marriages/|url-status=live}}</ref> The purpose of such prayer services, according to the Finnish Lutheran synod and archbishop, is to take a "clear and unequivocal stance in support of gay and lesbian couples".<ref>{{cite web|title=Laity drive Finnish Lutherans to recognize same-sex marriages|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/laity_drive_finnish_lutherans_to_recognize_same_sex_marriages/|website=episcopalcafe.com|publisher=Episcopal Cafe|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426112641/http://www.episcopalcafe.com/laity_drive_finnish_lutherans_to_recognize_same_sex_marriages/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to church policy on same-sex civil partnerships, "the couple may organise prayers with a priest or other church workers and invited guests. This may take place on church premises."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/58821FD65B63B14DC2257C2A00478B57?OpenDocument&lang=EN|title=Registered partnerships {{!}} Evl.fi – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland|website=evl.fi|access-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404005641/http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/58821FD65B63B14DC2257C2A00478B57?openDocument&lang=EN|archive-date=4 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Kuopio Cathedral Winter.jpg|thumb|The [[Kuopio Cathedral]], the seat of the [[Diocese of Kuopio]]]]
In 2012, the [[Diocese of Kuopio]] appointed an openly transgender pastor to an office in the church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/kuukausiliite/a1305622315142|title=Missä hän on nyt: Onnellinen virkanainen|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=26 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826014811/http://www.hs.fi/kuukausiliite/a1305622315142|url-status=live}}</ref>

After same-sex marriage became legal in 2014, Archbishop Kari Mäkinen announced his support for gay marriage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Finnish Lutheran leader "rejoices" over same-sex marriage vote|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_lutheran_leader_rejoices_over_same-sex_marriage_vote/7658255|website=yle.fi|date=28 November 2014|publisher=YLE|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309184530/http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnish_lutheran_leader_rejoices_over_same-sex_marriage_vote/7658255|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, the Synod did not authorize a rite for same-sex marriage, but did, as before, allow pastors "to pray with and for all couples who have entered into a civil [same-sex] marriage".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/14205-pastors-won-t-officiate-same-sex-weddings-despite-legislative-change.html|title=Pastors won't officiate same-sex weddings despite legislative change|last=Teivainen|first=Aleksi|date=5 September 2016|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=5 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905104308/http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/14205-pastors-won-t-officiate-same-sex-weddings-despite-legislative-change.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Therefore, while the bishops did not agree to performing same-sex marriages, "the bishops have taken the position that it is possible to hold prayer services to bless same-sex couples."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/bishops_divided_over_same-sex_marriage/9206052|title=Bishops divided over same-sex marriage|work=Yle Uutiset|access-date=9 May 2017|language=en|archive-date=13 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513053836/http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/bishops_divided_over_same-sex_marriage/9206052|url-status=live}}</ref> As with civil partnerships, the church teaches that "same-sex couples can have a prayer ceremony" in the church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://evl.fi/en/our-faith/what-we-believe/worship-and-life/marriage/prayers-for-same-sex-marriages|title=Prayers for same-sex marriages|work=evl.fi|access-date=6 June 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418120845/https://evl.fi/en/our-faith/what-we-believe/worship-and-life/marriage/prayers-for-same-sex-marriages|url-status=live}}</ref> The bishops' announcement also said that "[this] change to marriage laws means that members of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, persons in high office and workers stand with same-sex [persons] in marriage."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/lutheran_bishops_synod_church_weddings_only_for_hetero_couples/9135575|title=Lutheran Bishops' Synod: Church weddings only for hetero couples|work=Yle Uutiset|access-date=9 May 2017|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315174452/http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/lutheran_bishops_synod_church_weddings_only_for_hetero_couples/9135575|url-status=live}}</ref> Some clergy announced their intent to marry same-gender couples arguing that "public servant's rights grant [them] the possibility of marrying same-sex couples".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/two_pastors_defy_lutheran_synod_plan_to_marry_same-sex_couples/9142154|title=Two pastors defy Lutheran synod, plan to marry same-sex couples|date=3 September 2016|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=6 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906165121/http://yle.fi/uutiset/two_pastors_defy_lutheran_synod_plan_to_marry_same-sex_couples/9142154|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, the Diocese of Helsinki disciplined a pastor for performing a same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/pastor_who_officiated_same-sex_marriage_slapped_with_reprimand_from_helsinki_diocese/9830526|title=Pastor who officiated same-sex marriage slapped with reprimand from Helsinki diocese|work=Yle Uutiset|access-date=16 September 2017|language=en|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914082902/https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/pastor_who_officiated_same-sex_marriage_slapped_with_reprimand_from_helsinki_diocese/9830526|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2024, the Bishops endorsed a proposal to allow clergy to perform same-sex marriages; the proposal will need to be approved by the General Synod.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 March 2024 |title=Lutheran Church bishops back same-sex marriage |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20078886 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=News |language=en}}</ref> A spokesperson for the Bishops noted that in practice, some clergy have already been performing same-sex marriages; some dioceses have admonished clergy for doing so but others have not.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2020 |title=Same-sex marriage turns three in Finland: "You can be religious and LGBT" |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11234506 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=News |language=en}}</ref> In 2025, bishops confirmed that priests were permitted to individually perform same-sex marriages, but a proposal to recognize same-sex marriage as doctrine failed with 62 in favor and 40 against, falling "15 votes short of the three-quarters majority required to pass."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tara |date=2025-05-09 |title=Finnish Church rejects proposal to recognise same-sex marriages equally |url=https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/26822-finnish-church-rejects-proposal-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages-equally.html |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=Helsinki Times |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Finnish Church rejects same-sex unions, two definitions of marriage |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20160784 |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Finnish Lutheran Church votes against recognising same-sex marriages - Premier Christian News {{!}} Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/finnish-lutheran-church-votes-against-recognising-same-sex-marriages |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=premierchristian.news |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=General Synod of the Finland’s Lutheran Church did not approve the same-sex marriage |url=https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/31197/general-synod-of-the-finlands-lutheran-church-did-not-approve-the-same-sex-marriage |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=Evangelical Focus |language=en}}</ref> In July of 2025, the bishops released pastoral guidance confirming that priests and congregations may bless and perform same-sex marriages as a local option.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tara |date=2025-07-05 |title=Bishops call for all churches to open doors to same-sex couples |url=https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/27330-bishops-call-for-all-churches-to-open-doors-to-same-sex-couples.html |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Helsinki Times |language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Apostolic succession and sacraments ===
The [[apostolic succession]] of the Church is considered to have remained intact through the proper ordination of bishop [[Mikael Agricola]], but it was broken in 1884 when all the Finnish Lutheran bishops died within a year. The succession remained valid in the [[Church of Sweden]] from where it was returned in the 1930s by the ordination of the bishop of [[Tampere]]. However, the concept of apostolic succession is important foremost in ecumenical contexts, particularly in dealings with the Anglican Communion. In the theology of the Church itself, the valid signs of the Church include only the "pure preaching of the gospel and the performance of the sacraments according to the decree of [[Jesus in Christianity|Christ]]".<ref>[http://www.kotimaa.fi/kotimaa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2702&Itemid=67 Huovinen, E. ''Liian paljon?''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011065808/http://www.kotimaa.fi/kotimaa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2702&Itemid=67 |date=11 October 2007 }} Kotimaa 26 July 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>''[http://evl.fi/agricola2007.nsf/sp2?open&cid=ContentA6A60&vasennavinf=Valikko%5CMikael%20Agricola%5CPiispanvihkimys&vasennavinfa=o Acricola 2007 -juhlavuosi. Mikael Agricolan Piispanvihkimyksen 450-Vuotismuisto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718055007/http://evl.fi/agricola2007.nsf/sp2?open&cid=ContentA6A60&vasennavinf=Valikko%5CMikael%20Agricola%5CPiispanvihkimys&vasennavinfa=o |date=18 July 2011 }}''. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

The central point of the Church doctrine, does not, however, lie in the areas of sexuality and creation but in the doctrine of [[justification (theology)#Lutheranism|justification]]. The human being is always a sinner, completely unable to reach God by his own merit. However, Christians are atoned by the grace of God, through the sacrifice of Christ, completely undeservedly. The Christian is simultaneously a sinner and a righteous person.<ref name="cat32" /> At the end of time, Christ will return and subject all to his judgment. Then everlasting perdition can only be avoided by Christ's mercy.<ref name="cat32" />

[[File:Lutheran Christening.jpg|thumb|Baptism is one of the sacraments in the Lutheran church. In Finland it is usually performed in homes.]]

The saving grace becomes visible in the two dominical [[sacrament]]s, Holy Communion and Baptism. Baptism is [[Infant baptism|administered even to children]], as it is effective regardless of personal attitudes, "for Baptism and faith are God's work in us." Any Christian may perform a valid baptism, but in normal cases, the priest should perform the sacrament. An emergency baptism performed by a member of the Church must immediately be reported to the parish in which the baptism took place.<ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1055 ''Kirkkojärjestys'' (1055/1993)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207052006/http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1993/19931055 |date=7 February 2007 }} 2:13§. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref name="cat67">''[http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/0/7A384AFE2D48E01DC225732A0045C09E/$file/catechism.pdf Catechism]{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }},'' Christian doctrine of EVL, pp. 67–70, 74–78. Retrieved 11 October 2007.</ref>

In the Holy Communion, or the Sacrament of the Altar, Christ gives his own real body and blood for people to eat and to drink (cf. [[sacramental union]]). The Church practises [[Closed communion|closed Communion]] but does not put any limitations on its members for partaking the Holy Communion. The only prerequisite needed is faith, however fragile. Children may take part in Communion after their parents have instructed them to understand the meaning of Communion. If a person is in mortal danger and wishes to receive Holy Communion, any Christian is allowed to administer him a valid sacrament. Normally, nonetheless, the administering of the sacrament is reserved to priests.<ref name="cat67" /><ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1055 ''Kirkkojärjestys'' (1055/1993)] 2:9–12§. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

The third sacrament of [[Confession (Lutheran Church)|confession and absolution]] is available in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.<ref name="Larsen1998">{{cite book |last1=Larsen |first1=David L. |title=The Company of the Preachers: Volume 2 |date=1998 |publisher=Kregel Publications |isbn=978-0-8254-9434-5 |page=490 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ELCF2006">{{cite web |title=To be a Christian in Finland |url=https://evl.fi/plus/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/To-be-a-Christian-in-Finland.pdf |publisher=Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland |access-date=22 May 2025 |location=[[Helsinki]] |page=21 |date=2006}}</ref>

The [[ordination of women]] is allowed.

Publicly, the church strongly supports the existing Finnish social welfare model, which it sees threatened especially by neoliberalism and globalization. This has led to the church being criticized from the political right for being the religious arm of [[social democracy]]. The church has answered that it takes no political sides but strives to work for the weakest in the society.<ref name="cat16" /><ref>[http://www.sana.fi/etusivu/ajassa/hiilamo_kirkon_yhteiskunnallinen_rooli_mullistui/ Hiilamo:Kirkon yhteiskunnallinen rooli mullistui]. Sana 19 December 2005. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009075013/http://www.sana.fi/etusivu/ajassa/hiilamo_kirkon_yhteiskunnallinen_rooli_mullistui/ |date=9 October 2007 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20001117204800/http://www.evl.fi/english/towardscg.htm] Statement on the Future of the Welfare Society by the Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, March 1999. Retrieved 11 October 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.helsinginhiippakunta.evl.fi/piispa/puheenvuoroja/puheenvuorot_2006/?num=13699 Kenen puolella kirkko on?]{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Puheenvuoro. Helsingin hiippakunta. Retrieved 11 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

The Church does not control its members strictly. Rituals such as weddings and funerals are often considered to be the most important reasons to remain a member.

== Organisation ==
[[File:Hanko Church from water tower.jpg|thumbnail|left|Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanko from the [[Hanko, Finland|Hanko]] water tower.]]
The structure of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is mainly based on geographical division. Every member belongs to the [[parish]] of their domicile, with parish boundaries following [[municipalities of Finland|municipal]] boundaries. Large cities, on the other hand, are usually divided into several parishes, with the geographical location of the members' homes determining parish membership. The membership of a parish varies from a few hundred in small municipalities to around 60,000 members in the parish of [[Malmi, Helsinki]].<ref>''[https://luottamus.helsinginseurakunnat.fi/ykn/YKN070816/ykn160807listakesj.pdf Helsingin Seurakuntayhtymä Esittelylista 11/2007]{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}''. Yhteinen kirkkoneuvosto. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] . 3:2 §. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> According to the Church Act, the parish is responsible for all the practical work performed by the church.<ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] . 4:1 §. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> The parish is headed by the vicar and the parish council. Both are elected by the members, using equal, closed voting. The term of the parish council is four years while the vicar is elected for life or until he reaches sixty-eight years of age.<ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] . 6B:13 §, 8:1 § and 4:2§. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> A parish is a [[legal person]] of public nature, capable of taxing its members. The amount of tax collected is decided by the parish council and falls between 1 and 2.25 percent of personal income. In practice, the tax is collected by the state, for a fee.<ref>[http://www.uskonnonvapaus.fi/hakusanat/kirkollisvero.html Kirkollisvero] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704211829/http://www.uskonnonvapaus.fi/hakusanat/kirkollisvero.html |date=4 July 2007 }}. Uskonnonvapaus.fi. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

Financially, the parishes are responsible for themselves. However, poor parishes can be assisted by the central administration. On the other hand, all parishes are responsible for contributing 10 percent of their income to the central administration of the church and the dioceses.<ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] . 7:1 § and 22:8. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref><ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1941/895 ''Laki kirkon keskusrahastosta'' (895/1941)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509061254/http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/1941/19410895 |date=9 May 2006 }} 8 §. Retrieved 11 October 2007</ref> The day-to-day affairs of the parish administration are taken care of by the vicar and the parish board, elected by the parish council. In cities, the parishes of the city have a common parish council but separate parish boards.<ref>[https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1993/1054 ''Kirkkolaki'' (1054/1993)] . 7:2 §. Retrieved 10 October 2007. {{in lang|fi}}</ref>

=== Pastoral formation ===
A master's degree in [[Theology]] is compulsory before ordination. The Church also has its own vocational postgraduate educational system. A newly ordained pastor is eligible for the position of ''Parish Pastor'' ({{langx|fi|seurakuntapastori}}, {{langx|sv|församlingspastor}}), formerly ''Assistant Priest'' ({{langx|fi|apupappi}}, {{langx|sv|adjunkt}}). In order to be eligible for the position of ''Chaplain'' ({{langx|fi|kappalainen}}, {{langx|sv|kaplan}}) or ''Vicar'' ({{langx|fi|kirkkoherra}}, {{langx|sv|kyrkoherde}}), the ''Pastoral Degree of the Church'' ({{langx|fi|pastoraalitutkinto}}, {{langx|sv|pastoralexamen}}) is required. Before being able to apply for the post of Vicar, a degree in leadership skills ({{langx|fi|Seurakuntatyön johtamisen tutkinto}}, {{langx|sv|Examen i ledning av församlingsarbete}}) is also compulsory. The [[Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Prayer Brotherhood]] is an optional clergy confraternity.

In order to be eligible for the position of a ''Vicar General'' ({{langx|fi|tuomiorovasti}}, {{langx|sv|domprost}}) or ''Diocesan Dean'' ({{langx|fi|hiippakuntadekaani}}, {{langx|sv|stiftsdekan}}) the ''Higher Pastoral Degree of the Church'' ({{langx|fi|ylempi pastoraalitutkinto}}, {{langx|sv|högre pastoralexamen}}) is required.

In addition to religious worship, local Lutheran communities arrange many non-religious activities as well. In Finland, as in other Nordic countries, most people go to church only occasionally, such as for Christmas and weddings.<ref>K. Niemelä, ''[http://www.evl.fi/kkh/ktk/uskonnol.htm Suomalaisten Uskonnollisuus Uuden Vuosituhannen Alussa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126131841/http://www.evl.fi/kkh/ktk/uskonnol.htm |date=26 January 2010 }}''. Retrieved 1 June 2009. {{in lang|fi}}.</ref>

=== Dioceses and bishops ===
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is divided into nine [[diocese]]s. Each diocese is headed by a [[bishop]] and a cathedral chapter. The Archdiocese of [[Turku]] is headed by the archbishop, who is personally responsible for leading two deaneries within that diocese. He is assisted by a bishop of Turku who takes day-to-day responsibility for running the rest of the diocese,<ref>Scheme outlined on the Church's [http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/80B6C794B55E4D78C2257C1C0043822D?OpenDocument&lang=EN website (in English)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115236/http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/80B6C794B55E4D78C2257C1C0043822D?OpenDocument&lang=EN |date=2 April 2015 }}.</ref> leaving the archbishop free for his duties of national leadership and international representation. The bishops meet together regularly in the Bishops' Conference, which has eleven members; these are the archbishop, his assistant bishop of Turku, the other eight diocesan bishops, and the Chaplain General of the Defence Forces, whose title is {{Lang|fi|kenttäpiispa}} ('field bishop'), although he is not necessarily in bishop's Orders.<ref>Military chaplaincy [https://evl.fi/our-work/church-and-state/military-chaplaincy here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204100517/https://evl.fi/our-work/church-and-state/military-chaplaincy |date=4 February 2023 }}.</ref>

Eight dioceses are regional, with the remaining one covering all of the country's [[Finland Swedish|Swedish-language]] parishes. The Church's supreme decision-making body is the [[Synod]], which meets twice a year. [[Laity]] comprise a majority of the Synod, but a fixed number of seats are reserved for the clergy. The Synod proposes changes in the Ecclesiastical Act and decides on the Ecclesiastical Order. The Synod deals with questions of doctrine and approves the books of the church. The Synod directs the Church's common activities, administration, and finances. Congregational elections are held every four years to determine administrative posts at the local level.

{| class="wikitable"
! | Diocese
! | Founded
! | Cathedral
! | Incumbent
! |
|-
| '''[[Archdiocese of Turku]]'''
| 1156
| [[Turku Cathedral]]
| Archbishop [[Tapio Luoma]] (2018–), Bishop [[Mari Leppänen]] (2021–)
| [[File:Espoon hiippakunnan piispa Tapio Luoma.jpg|100px]] [[File:Coat of arms of the Archbishop of Turku and Finland.svg|100px]] [[File:No image.svg|100px]] [[File:Turun piispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Tampere]]
| 1554
| [[Tampere Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Matti Repo]] (2008–)
| [[File:Tampereen hiippakunnan piispa Matti Repo.jpg|100px]] [[File:Tampereen piispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Oulu]]
| 1851
| [[Oulu Cathedral]]
| Bishop {{ill|Jukka Keskitalo|fi}} (2018–)
| [[File:Jukka Keskitalo.jpg|100px]] [[File:Oulun piispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Mikkeli]]
| 1897
| [[Mikkeli Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Mari Parkkinen]] (2023–)
| [[File:No image.svg|100px]] [[File:Coat of arms of the bishop of Mikkeli.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Borgå]]
| 1923
| [[Porvoo Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Bo-Göran Åstrand]] (2019–)
| [[File:Bo-Göran Åstrand.png|frameless|114x114px]] [[File:Porvoon piispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Kuopio]]
| 1939
| [[Kuopio Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Jari Jolkkonen]] (2012–)
| [[File:Kuopion hiippakunnan piispa Jari Jolkkonen.jpg|100px]] [[File:Coat of arms of the bishop of Kuopio.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Lapua]]
| 1959
| [[Lapua Cathedral]]
| Bishop {{ill|Matti Salomäki|fi}} (2022–)
| [[File:No image.svg|100px]] [[File:Coat of arms of the bishop of Lapua.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Helsinki]]
| 1959
| [[Helsinki Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Teemu Laajasalo]] (2017–)
| [[File:Helsingin tuomiokirkkoseurakunnan piispantarkastuksen messu 2021-09-19 (cropped).jpg|100px]] [[File:Helsingin piispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
| [[Diocese of Espoo]]
| 2004
| [[Espoo Cathedral]]
| Bishop [[Kaisamari Hintikka]] (2019–)
| [[File:Kuva, Kaisamari Hintikka, kuvaaja Laukkanen Jani.jpg|100px]] [[File:Coat of arms of the bishop of Espoo.svg|100px]]
|-
| ''[[Military Bishop]]''<ref>The Finnish Military Bishop is a special case, as it is only a rank and the officeholder is not technically considered an actual bishop. Unlike the [[Military Ordinariate]]s of other countries, the Military Bishop does not govern a diocese, with clergy still under the jurisdiction of their posts' respective territorial bishops.</ref>
| 1941
| ''none''
| Military Bishop {{ill|Pekka Asikainen|fi}} (2023–)
| [[File:No image.svg|100px]] [[File:Kenttäpiispan vaakuna.svg|100px]]
|-
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity|Finland}}
* [[Bollhustäppan]]
*[[Conventicle Act (Sweden)]]
* [[Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]]
* [[Finnish Seamen's Mission]]
* [[Treaty of Fredrikshamn]]

;Other Nordic national Lutheran churches
* [[Church of Denmark]]
* [[Church of the Faroe Islands]]
* [[Church of Iceland]]
* [[Church of Norway]]
* [[Church of Sweden]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*{{Commons category-inline|Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland}}
* {{Official website|https://evl.fi/en/}}
* [http://finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=160099&contentlan=2&culture=en-US The Church in Finland today- thisisFINLAND]
* [http://www.merimieskirkko.fi/ Finnish Seamen's Mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608170852/http://www.merimieskirkko.fi/ |date=8 June 2007 }}
* [http://www.finnishchurch.org.uk/ Finnish Church in London, U.K.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200624/http://www.evl.fi/english/catechism.pdf Catechism of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]

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