Following the events of the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church and its missionary organization, the Society of Jesus, strived to regain control of the religion in Northern Europe.
In 1612 it was reported that some prominent priests in Norway had undertaken studies at Jesuit colleges, and that they secretly supported Catholicism.
[3] King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway was present at the trial, and he had ordered all bishops of the country to attend.
In 1646 the regulations were somewhat relaxed, as foreign sailors were then allowed to practice their religion at three dedicated locations, in Oslo Old Town, Nordnes and Christianssand.
[1] After the dissolution of Denmark-Norway in 1814, the new Norwegian Constitution of 1814 did not grant religious freedom, as it stated that Jews and Jesuits were denied entrance to Norway.