Less than 25 per cent of young Norwegians trusts Church of Norway

About six per cent of the poll participants declared that they have very great trust in the priests of the Church of Norway; 18 per cent stated that they have great faith in the clergy. That is reported by Vart Land which requested the research. Most of the participants, however, say that they do not know whether to trust the clergy or not. Jørgen Johnsen, a Norwegian priest student, notices that young people challenge priests more often than older church members.

Martin Enstad, leader of the priests’ association, explains the low amount of trust among young people because many of them have not or rarely met a priest in their life. “Trust is built in meeting people”, he says to Vart Land. “I think the low number is more about the fact that one has rarely met priests in important life situations than bad experiences with priests.”

Johnsen confirms that statement. Young adults do not attend church services as regular as in former times. Therefore, he says that their image of priests is based on caricatures and prejudices. “I think young adults believe priests are as they are often portrayed in American films. They often get these stereotypes confirmed as controversial topics are discussed in public debate.”

Breaking down prejudices

Priests should break down these prejudices, Johnsen argues. He thinks that the clergy should seek dialogue with young adults. The priest student notices that many young people show greater confidence in priests after one-on-one conversations with priests on controversial topics. “The scepticism of young people is positive for developing the priesthood. It is good to think critically about being human, part of a church and belief in God.”

One solution would be for priests to meet young adults in their own life, for example, on social media. “These arenas can be as good a resource as the pulpit in the sanctuary”, he said.

General population

Older people have a more natural trust in priests. The age group of 40-49 is the most positive about the clergy. Ensted from the priests’ association links that higher confidence to personal experiences with priests. Older people are more likely to have met a priest in important life situations.

He also thinks that the general population in Norway still conveys trust in priests. “We notice this, especially in crises, such as when conveying obituaries or preparing for a funeral.”