The King commemorates terror victims

Bernt Ivar Eidsvig, the Catholic Bishop of Oslo, led the service for the St. John the Apostle and Evangelist congregation in Bredtvet Church.

Kong Harald ankommer rekviemmessen ledsaget av biskop Bernt Eidsvig. Foto: Berit Roald, NTB scanpix

Members of the Bahá'í, Buddhist, Hindu, holist, Jewish, Christian, humanist, Muslim and Sikh communities are all represented in the Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway (STL), which was the main organiser this evening. The event was held to honour the memory of the victims and show unity at a difficult time.

Bishop Bernt Eidsvig led the service in Bredtvet Church. Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, the Royal Court

The ceremony in Bredtvet Church was intended to show that Norwegian religious and philosophical communities stand together when one of them is struck by violence or terror. “Attacking religious people gathered in prayer and worship is an attack aimed at people’s hearts,” says the STL’s Ingrid Rosendorf Joys.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway were also present at the service. The Church of Norway was represented by Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien as well as two former Bishops of Oslo, Ole Christian Kvarme and Gunnar Stålsett.