Norwegian bishops: Churches may be used for non-religious funerals

Norwegian bishops: Churches may be used for non-religious funerals

Stockholm, April 1, 2020 (dpa/NAN) The Bishops’ Conference of the Lutheran Church of Norway on Wednesday recommended allowing churches to be used for non-religious funerals during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The move was in solidarity with other faith communities and non-believers, the bishops said.

“The Church of Norway is an important institution in society. We want to support everyone in this time of crisis,’’ said Atle Sommerfeldt, acting head of the Bishops’ Conference.

Local parish councils were authorised to grant permission for churches to be used for non-religious funerals, the statement said.

Many halls and other venues have been closed as part of measures to stem the virus, and church services have been halted since mid-March when the government launched a raft of measures.

The interior of the church would not be changed. Altarpiences and crucifixes would not be covered, according to Sommerfeldt.

Kai Mjaanes, who heads a local section of the Norwegian Humanist Association in Baerum, near Oslo, said “many will likely prefer a funeral ceremony in a church than a sports hall,’’ the Vart Land newspaper reported.

Churches in Norway remain open for some funerals, baptisms and weddings but with a very limited number of participants and must heed advice issued by local, regional and national health authorities.

A shortened order of service for funerals has also been developed. (dpa/NAN)

HS/SN

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Edited by Halima Sheji/Silas Nwoha