The Church of Norway (Den norske kirke) has seen a notable increase in young members. In 2024, one in five new members was between 25 and 34 years old. Additionally, over 27,000 individuals became members through baptism.
Membership decline continues despite youth engagement
Despite the rise in young members, the Church’s overall membership continues to decline. Statistics for 2024 show that 3.44 million Norwegians were members, accounting for 62% of the population. The primary reason for the decline is that more members pass away than new ones are baptized.
Catholic Church sees significant growth in Norway
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Norway has experienced remarkable growth. Between 1993 and 2019, the number of Catholics increased by 470%, from 28,000 to 160,000 members. Recent estimates suggest the Catholic population now stands at around 200,000.
These trends indicate a changing religious landscape in Norway, with both the Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church witnessing shifts in their demographics and membership patterns.
