Today there is widespread interaction between different religious groups in many fora.
The largest life-stance community is the Norwegian Humanist Association. This organization provides its members with humanist alternatives to Christian life-cycle rituals, for example through its civil confirmation programme. The Association is also deeply involved in the debate regarding an alternative to the Christian religious education currently taught in schools.
Other world religions, primarily Islam, have become more visible in Norwegian public life during the past few decades. There are between 55 000 and 65 000 Muslims, mostly Shia Muslims, living in Norway. Just over 6 000 Buddhists are registered in Norway, most of whom are of Vietnamese origin. The number of registered Hindus is approximately 1 500, and the Jewish community, which dates back well over 100 years, numbers roughly 1 000.
The most controversial religious-policy issue for representatives of minority religious groups involves religious education in schools. The Norwegian State Church stipulates that Christian catechism shall be taught in all public schools. In recent years, however, some Free Church and alternative life-stance private schools have been established.