The Universal Church has officially opened its first church in Norway, marking an exciting new chapter in its mission to provide faith, support and spiritual guidance to communities across the country.
The inauguration took place on Sunday 24 May, at Konghellegata 8, 0570 Oslo. The special service began at 11am local time and welcomed people from different parts of Norway who gathered to celebrate this milestone. While many attended in person, others joined through the online broadcast, allowing even more people to take part in the occasion.
The Universal Church’s journey in Norway began in 2018 through prayer centres in Oslo. At that time, the pastor responsible for the work was based in Sweden and travelled to the Norwegian capital once a month to conduct services and provide spiritual support.
Over the years as the number of attendees grew, so did the need for a permanent presence. In 2024 Pastor José Rui da Silva was sent to Norway to dedicate himself fully to the mission. While preparations were made to establish a permanent church, regular meetings were held three times a week at a hotel in central Oslo.
Finding the right location was a significant step in making this vision a reality. After months of searching, a suitable property was secured in July 2025. Following the necessary refurbishment and preparations, the building was ready to welcome its members and become the first official Universal Church headquarters in Norway.
Today, the Church holds services in both English and Portuguese, reflecting the diversity of people and nationalities living in Norway. Services take place throughout the week, offering opportunities for people to strengthen their faith, seek guidance and receive spiritual support. Translation assistance is also provided whenever needed, ensuring that language is never a barrier to those seeking help.
Although the church is based in Oslo, its mission extends across the whole country. Through private online broadcasts, people living in different regions of Norway are able to participate in services and continue strengthening their faith.
For some, attending meetings in person would require several hours of driving, while others would need to travel by plane. The online transmissions enable them to follow the services regularly and, in some cases, develop small groups of faith and prayer in their own homes.
The opening of the Universal Church’s first church in Norway represents much more than the inauguration of a building. It reflects years of dedication, perseverance and faith, as well as a commitment to bringing hope, guidance and practical spiritual support to people across the country.
As the work continues to grow, the Church looks forward to serving local communities and reaching even more people throughout Norway with a message of faith and transformation.
While this new chapter unfolds in Norway, the Universal Church continues to serve communities throughout the United Kingdom. The UK headquarters is based in Finsbury Park, London, with a further 38 locations across the country.
Anyone in need of prayer, spiritual guidance or a listening ear is welcome to visit their nearest Universal Church. Support is also available 24 hours a day through the helpline on 020 7686 6000 or via WhatsApp on 020 7686 6010.
