The background of the project was a parliamentarian decision to offer a more thorough “knowledge of society” to religious leaders who have immigrated to Norway. With reference to its competence in the field of interreligious studies, the Faculty was given the task by the Ministry of Labour and Inclusion to implement the program “Being a religious leader in Norwegian society”. A reference group consisting of representatives of the largest religious communities was formed to ensure that the course communicated well with the faith communities.
The course has been fully financed by the state (through the relevant Ministries, testifying to the perceived importance of the course in the view of the political authorities.