Christians express support for Norway
Last week, at least 93 people were killed by both the bombings in central Oslo and the gun massacre at a youth camp on the Norwegian Island of Utoyea.
A moment of silence was marked on Monday for the victims of both attacks and a service attended by thousands was held on Sunday at the cathedral in central Oslo.
It has been reported that the suspected perpetrator of both attacks, Anders Behring Breivik, has far-right, anti-Muslim views as well as fundamentalist Christian beliefs. On Monday he appeared in a closed court session and was charged with acts of terrorism.
The Guardian reported that church services across Norway were crammed at the weekend as people gathered to mourn together. A candlelit vigil attended by hundreds was held throughout the night at the main church in the capital on Saturday.
The BBC reported that many attended an open air service in Lerwick in Shetland on Sunday. Hundreds of Norwegians had been taking part in the Tall Ships race. People also gathered at the Norwegian Church (Sjomannsskirken) in London.
In The Telegraph, historian Tim Stanley said the attacks were that of a 'lone psychopath' describing him as neither right-wing nor Christian fundamentalist and said he should not be viewed as such.
In his court hearing, the suspect referred to other 'cells' within his organisation, which was reportedly created in London in 2002.
In a statement Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Everyone in Britain shares in the sorrow and the anger at the despicable killing that took place on Friday…we know the resilience and the courage and the decency of our Norwegian friends will overcome this evil."
The Evangelical Alliance released a statement offering its condolences to the people of Norway: "Our hope is that Christians in Norway play their part in the healing process. We also hope that this diabolical reminder of the persistence of evil will not adversely affect the much cherished freedoms and social harmony in the country."
The President of the United States, Barack Obama described the attacks as "senseless."
In a statement the Archbishop of Canterbury said: "I want to express my deepest sympathy with the people in Norway in the wake of the appalling events of recent days. Norway has played so great a part over many years in international reconciliation…and it is a special tragedy that it should suffer this outbreak of senseless carnage…our prayers are with all those who died and those who mourn them…"
The general secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance Niek Tramper said: "We are horrified to see that humans are able to put in practice such an awful plan. With the people of Norway we are reminded again to the world's brokenness, of which no part of this world is exempted. With more urgency we pray that God's glory will be revealed to the nations."
Lars Dahle, Norwegian theologian, preacher, and vice-principal of Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication in Norway, wrote in response to Alliance staff sending condolences on twitter:
"Thanks for prayers. Surreal and tragic situation in peaceful Norway. Much wisdom needed for church to respond appropriately"
Published by the Evangelical Alliance and reproduced with permission.
| 
