Live Fra Bergen: Investigating views on homosexuality in advance of state support

As of this year, religious communities must report their views on issues concerning gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, in connection with applying for state support: It can in the long run be used to punish the opinions of the minority.

This is the opinion of the pastor of Kristent Felleskap Bergen, Per Arne Gjerde, in an article published by the newspaper Norge IDAG April 16th this year. He was the guest on “Live Fra Bergen” on Tuesday May 4th. The new survey, which has met strong opposition from religious and philosophical Norway, was the topic.

You can watch the episode on Facebook or YouTube under the title “Ep 43”. Additionally, you can read the entire interview with Per Arne Gjerde on Norge IDAG’s website.

Possible attacks on religious freedom in the future

Gjerde is aware that so far it does not extend beyond a survey, but fears that this may change in the long run.

“We notice that it [the gender/sexual orientation view survey] comes in connection with the application for state aid. It becomes difficult to understand it in any other way. The state should not use state support as a means of pressure to reward opinions one agrees on, and punish those who say otherwise. It will be perceived as an intolerant and democratic problem, and an attack on freedom of religion. It will be wrong if politicians try to influence the opinions of religious communities,” he says to Norge IDAG.

In short terms, if the religious communities state that they do not support certain gender/sexual orientation views, then the government may use it as a reason to not provide financial aid.

Standing strong to God’s word

For the pastor, however, it is irrelevant for the pressure to affect anything. For him and the rest of the congregation, the Bible is the supreme authority:
“We do not respond tactically to satisfy what the authorities are looking for in relation to the Discrimination Act. We respond according to what we practice, and according to what is right and true from the Word of God. We readily accept any consequences for standing by God’s Word,” he says.

State aid survey could be problematic

For Kristent Felleskap Bergen, state aid accounts for no more than about 10 percent of the congregation’s total annual revenue. Therefore, Gjerde does not envision that there is any financial need in the future for the congregation. Nevertheless, he disagrees with this survey:
“For us, the financial support is not a matter of struggle, but once we have such a state scheme, it is perceived as problematic that it should be tested against doctrine and practice,” says Gjerde.