Norwegian Church makes history : We will marry same-sex couples

It has been a rocky road, but Monday gave the Norwegian Church ( Den Norske Kirke) the final green light to also marry same-sex couples.

It was in the Norwegian Church’s (Den Norske Kirke) highest body, gathered in Trondheim Synod, the majority voted to allow same-sex couples to marry in the house of God. Thus, it was put an end to a year-long dispute, Norwegian newspaper VG reports.

This is a historic and joyful day for LGBT people, said the new head of the Church Council, Kristin Gunnleiksrud Raaum, VG, after Church Council majority Monday resolved to open for same-sex marriage in the church.

She represents Åpen folkekirke ( Open People’s Church), which was well attended in the church election in last fall, which was held together with local and regional elections in Norway.

It made Åpen folkekirke( Open People’s Church) had as many representatives in the elections in the Church Council in Trondheim today that for the first time was majority support for gay marriage.

The proposal received a majority in 88 of the 115 delegates.

– Can priests oppose to marry same-sex couples ?

– Yes, they can conscientious objection naturally do.

In January, a new synod will adopt the new liturgy.

Then same-sex couples can rush to the church to get married, says Chairman of the Oslo diocesan council and leader of the Open People’s Church, Gard Sandakerveien-Nielsen to VG.

Photo By Blackcat (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Two young Italian girls, both dressed as bride advocating for same-sex marriage at the 2010 Gay Pride in Rome