Lessening Church-State Ties Recommended In Norway

In Norway, a commission set up in 2003 is expected to recommend shortly a loosening of the ties between church and state in the country. Ekklesia today reports that 14 of the 20 commission members favor relaxing the ties between church and state, without moving to a complete separation. Included in that group is a Muslim member of the commission. Four commission members want total separation, while 2 members favor the status quo. Since 1537, the king has also been the formal head of the Church of Norway, to which 85% of Norwegians belong.