Christian values as the common good, not the good of christianity? Public communication by church of Norway leaders when faced with immigration from muslim-dominated states

Abstract

This article seeks to explain the pro-immigrant attitudes among Church of Norway (CoN) leaders. These are shown in two Norwegian Leadership Surveys (NLS) – 2000 and 2015 – to constitute the Norwegian elite group with the most positive attitudes on immigration. Similar tendencies are also found in other studies. As the term used in NLS is «get access» it is not EEA citizens, but rather immigration of asylum seekers that leaders are asked about. The article applies a hegemony-critical theory and four conceptual frameworks, the latter either developed from Christian tradition or from the context of civil society actors. Rather than being concerned about maintaining hegemony or privileges for CoN, the leaders emphasise an inclusive approach, seeking to promote the common good for all living in Norway. This implies no support by CoN leaders to politicians seeking to utilise terms like «Christian values» for defending a restrictive asylum policy and no concern over the presence and growth of other religions in Norway. The article provides new insight of how a dialogical approach to other religions is also reflected in justifications for a inclusive asylum policy, expressed by a church that used to be a part of the state apparatus that promoted homogenity and actively prevented ethnic diversity.