This is what happens when you don't have separation of church and state. The priesthood are public employees paid by the State and all religious laws must follow State hiring practices for non-discrimination. That is why they have to accept gays and other religions in the building.
Church of Norway broke away from the State. But damage is already done; in some places where there are only gay/lesbian ministers, membership is down 66%. Something like 41,000 people left the Church the first day they allowed online withdrawal. Meanwhile, "free" churches in Norway (the traditional, conservative types) are seeing an increase in membership.
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jdk2881 ago
This is what happens when you don't have separation of church and state. The priesthood are public employees paid by the State and all religious laws must follow State hiring practices for non-discrimination. That is why they have to accept gays and other religions in the building.
Church of Norway broke away from the State. But damage is already done; in some places where there are only gay/lesbian ministers, membership is down 66%. Something like 41,000 people left the Church the first day they allowed online withdrawal. Meanwhile, "free" churches in Norway (the traditional, conservative types) are seeing an increase in membership.