Churches in North-Norway guarantee homosexuals that they will be welcomed without prejudice. The parishes of Svolvaer and Vagan promise that no negative words can be uttered towards gay churchgoers in their churches, a promise that is bound not to please everyone.
In Svolvaer Church parish council member Yngve Henriksen hangs the rainbow colored flag used as homosexuality's banner. The flag is meant to show gays and lesbians that they are welcome here and can worship without fear of finding themselves the subject of a fiery sermon, newspaper Lofotposten reports.
The two parish councils voted to do something to fight negative attitudes towards homosexuals.
"The church has a sad history in that respect," parish educator Torbjoern Ollestad told the newspaper.
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