Norway: Christians, Muslims defend right to convert
Two important Christian and Muslim groups signed a joint declaration Wednesday supporting the right to convert between religions without fear of harassment as a basic religious freedom.
The Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relation and the Islamic Council of Norway, which have met regularly since 1993, said they believe this is the world's first such joint declaration by national religious organizations.
"As far as we know, this is the first time that a church and representative national Muslim organization have jointly acknowledged the right to convert," said Olav Fykse Tveit, secretary general of church council. "By issuing this declaration we hope to contribute to the international process on this important matter."...
