Leaving the Church of Norway (the state church)
Many people in Norway are registered as members of the state church but have no relationship with the church at all, or simply have not given it any thought. You are born, baptised and already a member as a small child. Often with the argument of tradition, security and that it is safer with regard to practical matters such as funerals.
Sjamanistisk Forbund would therefore like to offer a small clarification:
Funerals?
A secular funeral without a priest is open to everyone in Norway! Burial plots in churchyards are public and are owned by the municipalities, not the church. Regardless of belief and faith community affiliation, they are open and accessible to all. The same applies to the crematoria and the funeral chapels. Funeral homes are happy to help arrange a ceremony without a priest, or a ceremony under the auspices of another faith community, for example Sjamanistisk Forbund. The possibilities are many and varied.
What consequences do I face when leaving?
- first and foremost, you cannot hold ecclesiastical positions and offices
- as a parent you cannot automatically demand to have your children baptised
- you cannot become a godparent, because this entails and presupposes that you give the children a Christian religious upbringing. You should therefore not take on this role either.
How do I check whether I am a member?
You have 2 options:
- $1
- $1
How to join Sjamanistisk Forbund
You will find everything you need here http://sjamanforbundet.no/innmelding.
