Because NRK is a major and influential media player in Norway, many of our members want to get involved. Several have contacted us with concerns that this program may lead to stigmatization, marginalization, and even bullying of their children and young people, at school or at work. Each and every incident like this is unacceptable, and we hope that all parents and all those responsible in the local congregations make a point of listening to their children and youth, and helping them if they experience this.
A little about BCC’s contact with NRK Brennpunkt the past year:
BCC has wanted an open dialogue with NRK Brennpunkt throughout this process and has repeatedly asked for meetings with them to discuss the issues. We pointed out to NRK Brennpunkt early on that they must be especially critical of sources who have been in contact with Psy-Group regarding the influence operation that was aimed at destroying BCC.
Even though in our discussions we have tried to create an understanding of how serious this situation is, we have unfortunately been met with trivialization and disregard on the part of NRK.
Our intention was to show up and be interviewed for the program. However since NRK Brennpunkt did not want to guarantee they had considered both the security and ethical aspects of utilizing sources who employ such influence operations as a method – in tandem with several people receiving serious threats – we had to cancel the interview the same day as it should have taken place.
In the end, BCC chose to safeguard its right to respond to their questions, by answering via self-recorded video.
BCC does not know what NRK will televise, and we continue to hope that NRK has chosen to take the grave concerns surrounding this matter seriously. However, the process itself so far has given us a startling experience of how those behind such operations manage to gain so much traction in society with their story. BCC believes what has taken place between BCC and NRK has not been a normal journalistic process, and therefore the phenomenon of influence operations must be debated on a whole other level; that is, by professionals who have knowledge about it.
How should our members relate to the episode being published?
It is obvious that the coverage in NRK Brennpunkt will lead to reactions, and we encourage everyone to individually take advantage of the freedom of expression we have in our country.
We want to make our members aware of the fact that stigmatization, bullying and discrimination due to NRK Brennpunkt’s speculations about our faith community, especially when it affects children and young people, is not something we tolerate. We take such incidents seriously, and BCC and the local churches want to support the people who experience this and take action against discrimination and stigmatization. Should you, or any children or young people you know of experience stigmatization, bullying or other negative attention as a result of the program, we want to be notified of this through the contact page on the member portal. This is to support those who want it, and to track information about the ripple effects of NRK’s journalism (all inquiries are treated confidentially).
Conditions deserving criticism in BCC or local congregations
BCC is aware that some members and former members have chosen to appear in NRK Brennpunkt with their personal experiences. BCC has respect for these people’s experiences and their freedom of expression. BCC of course distances itself from any incidence of negative social control, a lack of freedom of expression, or financial pressure in the congregations. We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of our members do not experience being members of BCC as being like this. Those who have a different experience or have something they think is deserving of criticism in BCC or their local congregation, are always encouraged to bring it up with us, either locally, or through the member portal. There is a high level of tolerance for raising issues in BCC.
We will be providing more information here on bccnorge.no in the days ahead, so we recommend everyone to follow along.
BCC is working continuously for a positive development and is grateful to everyone who contributes to this by being co-workers for the good. Remember to show care for one another, especially in this unusual time when we cannot gather like before.
We wish all our members a good week.