Minneapolis Church with Norwegian Ties Honors Victims of Attacks

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff | Crosswalk.com | Published: Jul 25, 2011

Minneapolis Church with Norwegian Ties Honors Victims of Attacks

More than 280 people packed Minneapolis' Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church on Sunday, honoring those killed in a bombing and mass shooting at a youth camp in Norway. The bombing of a government building in Oslo killed at least seven people, and more than 90 people - mostly teens - were killed in a mass shooting at the camp. The TwinCities Pioneer Press said most of those gathered in the 89-year-old church claim Norwegian descent. Many showed up in Norway sports jerseys with miniature flags. Ole Anton Hoel and Bjorn Overn, Norwegian nationals who were in Minnesota visiting friends, also attended the Mindekirke service before heading back to Europe on Sunday afternoon. "I am very touched by the service," Hoel said. "This deep tragedy...it reminds us how important it is to fight [the shooter's] ideals." Minnesota is home to the largest number of people of Norwegian heritage outside of Norway.

Minneapolis Church with Norwegian Ties Honors Victims of Attacks