[markomalley]

“Breivik labels himself a Justiciar Knight Commander for Knights Templar Europe in his manifesto. He also pointedly makes thanks to “brothers and sisters in England, Germany, Sweden and the US” (amongst others)”

I wasn't going to go there, but as long as you did, this link may add some insight (either to him or to how some are attempting to portray him.

[nuconvert]

Well, we all know that the Masonic lodges are hotbeds of international terrorism.

[cripplecreek]

Church of Norway (pdf file)

The Church of Norway today

In 2005 approximately 76% of all infants were baptized in the Church of Norway. 1290 parishes have 9000 parish council members, 1400 pastors and 6200 other employees.

The Church of Norway is one of the few remaining state churches in the world today. Its long-standing episcopal order was supplemented by a synodical structure in the twentieth century. Parish Council members are elected by the church members. These councils in turn elect the eleven Diocesan Councils and the 86 representatives to the General Synod of the church. A growing number of pastors are women (19% in 2007) and three of the eleven bishops are women (2007).

The Sami people are a significant part of the Church of Norway. Since 1992 there has been a Sami Church Council. Its task is to develop Sami church life built on Sami languages and cultures.

The King is the constitutional head of the Church of Norway. His authority in this regard is exercised jointly with the government within the Council of State. Until 1989 most categories of pastors were named either by the Council of State or by the Government. Since then all pastors are appointed by the Diocesan Councils, with the exception of deans and bishops, who are still named by the Council of State.

Strong lay movements in the last two centuries, organized through domestic “inner mission” and societies for mission abroad, have shaped the Church of Norway by gathering groups under lay preachers in prayer houses.