Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Priests of Odin, Thor and other Norse gods are to be given permission by the Danish government to conduct legally recognised weddings.
Tove Fergo, the Minister for Ecclesiastic Affairs and a Lutheran priest, said yesterday: "To me, it would be wrong if the indigenous religion of this country wasn't recognised."
Under Danish law, the state Evangelical Lutheran Church has sole authority to give official status to other religious communities. The 240-member Forn Sidr, which worships Norse gods, sought recognition in 1999. Last year, an Ecclesiastic Affairs panel of scholars recommended that Forn Sidr, which means "Old Custom" in old Norse, be approved, but only if its rituals were clearly detailed in its by-laws.
Tissel Jacobsen, president of Forn Sidr, said: "We described our four annual heathen rituals - spring and autumn equinoxes, and the summer and winter solstices, and our marriage ceremony." About 1,000 people worship the ancient gods.
Ms Fergo said she would give final approval "in a few days", adding: "It was not up to me to evaluate whether they are telling the truth or the quality of their religion."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments