November 2001

Some people ask me, How can you menage to run this kind of Norwegian church in the US in 2001? How is it possible to keep the Norwegian-American community alive?

From the beginning it has been focused on our Spiritual and Cultural heritage. Worship and Mission has been the center of the spiritual tradition. The coming together and sending out. Likewise the Norwegian language has been the heart of the ethnic Culture. This has been the way to support and strengthen the ethnic identity and still is of vital sense.

"If we contribute anything it must be on the basis of our Norwegian heritage. We do not say it is greater or better. But we must say it is ours and we must make our cultural contribution on the basis of it if we are to offer anything at all of value to make the country richer." (Waldemar Agar)

It is of greatest importance for the future of Mindekirken to remain rooted in the "Norwegian stuff", but in the same time we must be open to and welcome anyone who belongs to a different identity and tradition. This is a big challenge.

But this is possible if we remain firm in our own identity and heritage.

First and foremost we have to keep the focus on our historical background and the spiritual and cultural values we share and convey it into the future.

Sometimes I think that the Norwegian- American community is split in too many different groups living in separate and isolated cells. Each group has its own history and identity and many people feel close ties to their own group, but together we are stronger.

At least sometimes it would be important to coordinate and stand together in a joint action to lift up our common heritage.

Mindekirken is the only center in this part of America that focuses on our spiritual and cultural values.

Let us keep the focus and make a joint action to the benefit of all.

Ole Amund Gillebo

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716