Author Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization, institution, or entity with which the author may be affiliated, including Humanists International.
King Harald V of Norway died in the morning of 28 August this year, after having served as king of Norway since 1991. At the exact same time, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, ascended to take his father’s place as monarch.
In August 2011, the World Humanist Congress was held in Oslo. One of the main speakers was Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon.
In his address to the international humanist community, the future King Haakon VIII of Norway referred to the vision of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU, now Humanists International) in the following manner:
“The vision of the International Humanist and Ethical Union is “a world in which human rights are respected and everyone is able to live a life of dignity”. It is a bold vision, which is not difficult to share regardless of spirituality or religion. But it is also a constant challenge that each and every one of us face on a daily basis in practical life.”
You can read the King’s entire address at the official website of the Norwegian Royal Family.
Humanists are included
Norwegian humanists are regularly invited and included in official events, both ceremonial and not, by the Norwegian government and the Royal family.
At King Harald’s funeral ceremony on 9 September, senior adviser in the Norwegian Humanist Association, Nancy L. Herz, was highly visible in the public broadcast of the event while she lighted a candle in remembrance of the late king. She represented humanism as part of a group of four women who did the same and jointly represented Norway’s faith and life stance diversity.
Christian Lomsdalen was also present at King Harald’s funeral service in the capacity of president of the Norwegian Humanist Association (HEF). He also participated in a closed reception at the Royal Palace later the same day for international royalty, visiting heads of state and leading representatives from Norwegian public life.
No stance on monarchy
Norwegian monarchy is symbolic. Royals wield no political power. The country has a parliamentary system. Legislative and executive power lies with the democratically elected Parliament and the Government.
Norwegian Humanist Association has no formal position on whether Norway should remain a constitutional monarchy or reform its constitution to become a republic.
President Christian Lomsdalen said:
“As long as Norway remains a true liberal democracy, we relate to the system of government as it is. And we are happy to be included in formal occasions like this, as part of the growing life stance diversity of our country.”
This blog post was written by Even Gran, who is a Senior Adviser to the Norwegian Humanist Association.
Cover image taken by Reidar Thorsen.