Oslo: As Norway prepares for its parliamentary election on September 8, the country’s Catholic bishops have issued a pastoral letter emphasizing the inviolability of human life and the moral responsibility of voters. Bishops Erik Varden of Trondheim and Fredrik Hansen of Oslo, in a message dated for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, voiced particular concern over the rising political support for euthanasia, calling on Norway’s roughly 160,000 Catholics to approach the vote with careful discernment.
In their letter, the bishops underscored that voting is not merely a right but “a demanding and weighty duty” for the faithful. “We are troubled by the apparent growth of support for euthanasia in our country and among our politicians,” they wrote. Stressing the Church’s commitment to care, they added, “All who suffer from pain or illness should receive every form of care we can offer, as should their families and those who look after them. To ‘help’ someone die helps no one.”
The bishops framed their guidance within the broader principle of human dignity, affirming that “no person whether an unborn child, the incurably ill, a newly arrived refugee, or a victim of violence or human trafficking may be set aside or counted of lesser worth than the rich, the powerful, or the famous.” While careful not to instruct Catholics on which candidates or parties to support, the prelates emphasized that Church teaching should inform ethical and civic decision-making, particularly in areas of life protection, family support, religious freedom, care for the poor, and Norway’s global responsibilities.
Despite Catholics representing only about 3.5% of Norway’s population, the bishops highlighted the community’s civic duty. “Though Catholics are few in Norway, we may not disclaim our shared responsibility, either for society or for the well-being of our neighbor,” they declared, urging every eligible Catholic to exercise their vote thoughtfully. They also drew attention to persistent poverty in the country, despite Norway’s wealth, noting the challenges faced by families unable to afford basic necessities during winter or school-related expenses.
Religious freedom was also emphasized as “rooted in human dignity,” the bishops said, adding that the ability to seek faith and live in accordance with it is essential for a just society. Invoking the legacy of St. Olav, Norway’s patron saint, the prelates concluded their letter with a call to civic responsibility anchored in Gospel values: “At this election, let each of us recognize our responsibility to build upon the saint-king’s work.”
The Catholic Church in Norway has seen significant growth in recent years, with membership rising from approximately 95,000 in 2015 to around 160,000 today, largely fueled by immigration from traditionally Catholic countries. While advance voting began in July, Election Day is officially scheduled for Monday, September 8, with around 3.9 million Norwegians eligible to vote across roughly 20 competing parties.
The bishops’ pastoral letter comes at a critical moment as political debates intensify over bioethical issues, social welfare, and the role of religious values in public life, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to uphold human dignity and the moral responsibilities of its faithful.