Norway's Churches Foster Healing after Attacks

A Norwegian bishop addressing the recent bombing and shooting attacks in Norway said his country has "countered this insane terrorism by demonstrating love and solidarity," reports RNS News. "We have brought out a social capital we maybe even did not know was there. We must rebuild our trust in human beings as fellow human beings," said Church of Norway Bishop Tor Singsaas of Nidaros at the opening of the annual St. Olav Festival in Trondheim on Thursday (July 28). Since the attacks, Norwegian priests and church workers have joined in caring for the survivors and the victims' families, with churches opened for people seeking comfort and community. Oslo's Lutheran Cathedral, situated a few blocks from the damaged government buildings, has become a center for mourners. Last Sunday, Oslo Cathedral changed its regular service into a televised "Mass of grief and hope." "We will not let fear paralyze us,"said Church of Norway Presiding Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien in her homily.