Purpose: The aim of the practice is to reflect the religious diversity in Oslo through The Local Council for Religion and Life Stance communities. This body is responsible for:
- The promotion of the OXLO charter on freedom of religion
- Allocating grants to projects that promote intercultural dialogue among youth
- Educating young leaders by arranging discussions on religion and tolerance in schools and youth clubs (Dialogue pilots);
- Arranging discussions on religion and tolerance in youth wings of Muslim congregations (co-opted dialogue)
Stimulus/Rationale: In 2018 the City Council decided to set up a wide-ranging committee with a mandate to propose a comprehensive green paper on the city’s policy on religion and life stance philosophy, reflecting the diverse and multi-religious citizenry of Oslo.
Process: The Council is a network of around 50 Oslo-based dialogue oriented religious and life stance communities that holds annual meetings at the City Hall. Background research and reports are carried out by the University of Oslo, Faculty of Theology.
Impact: The expected impact is to reflect religious diversity, increasing freedom of religion and intercultural dialogue in Oslo.
Key reference documents:
