July 12, 2009

Day 4 - today the big discussion was held at the conference concerning a proposal to allow those who could no longer in good conscience hold membership in the State Church of Norway (80% of all Norwegians belong to the state church whether they ever go or not) due to it's increasing liberal attitudes toward the Word of God.

NLM has no formal membership since it is a fellowship group. The compromise suggested by the excutive board would form a place for those who no longer felt at home in the state church to have a place to put their membership. This is a very emotional issue for the Norwegians because the membership in the state church is a cultural heritage for many. The general discussion was that it was too soon and people needed more time to consider the consequences of providing this alternative for people. This would not affect those who desire to stay in the state church only provide an alternative for those who no longer could.

This proposal was defeated about 510 - 372. Which means it will come up again in 3 years at the next general assembly.

Editors personal note: It was very interesting to observe this as it is an issue which we can not relate to here in the states. In my opinion it seemed to be divided mostly along generational lines with mostly older people voting against the alternative and mostly younger voting for it. All of the missionaries I personally observed and those I talked to all voted in favor of the alternative proposal.

God bless!
Jonathan Unverzagt - BANNER editor

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