For the first time in its history, the Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) has raised the rainbow flag, marking the beginning of this year’s Oslo Pride. The symbolic gesture was made on Friday morning in front of the church, in a ceremony that included speeches and a concert.
A historic gesture of inclusion
The flag was raised to the top by Bishop of Oslo (biskop) Sunniva Gylver, who officially opened Oslo Pride 2025. According to the cathedral’s Dean (domprost), Pål Kristian Balstad, the event was intended to underline the Church of Norway’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“It is a great joy to open Pride with the flag raising and concert at Oslo Cathedral. As a church, it is important for us to celebrate diversity, and work to ensure our city and country are safe, free, and inclusive,” Balstad said in a press release.
This is the first time the rainbow flag has been officially raised outside the cathedral, which is the main church of the Church of Norway in Oslo. While some churches in the country have supported Pride in previous years, the gesture from the capital’s most prominent religious institution carries special weight.
Church and Pride stand together
The ceremony was attended by Bishop Sunniva Gylver, who gave a public address and personally raised the flag. Dan Bjørke, head of Oslo Pride, also spoke at the event, describing the moment as one of solidarity and hope.
“In the times we live in, it means a lot to raise the rainbow flag outside the cathedral together with the bishop. Standing together with the Church and the bishop in Pride’s message of a society where everyone can fully be themselves gives reason for pride and hope,” Bjørke stated.
Bjørke added that this year’s edition of Oslo Pride is expected to be the most extensive celebration ever held in the Norwegian capital.
“What we really need now is a proper celebration of diversity – and to stand together for an inclusive society for all. We have set up an unprecedented programme and look forward to getting started,” he said.
Following the flag raising, a concert was held inside the cathedral featuring the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra (Kringkastingsorkesteret).
The event was widely covered in national media and marked a significant step in the evolving relationship between religious institutions and the LGBTQ+ community in Norway.
