Neighbour complains about Christian Christmas decoration in Norway

The Weierud family the Norwegian town of Bryggeåsen near Berger received an anonymous letter requesting the removal of their Christmas decoration, Dagen reports. The cross hangs on their house all year, but in December, the family turns on the light so that it becomes part of their Christmas decorations. "The cross is clearly visible, but we live in the last house on the block", May Britt Weierud says to Dagen. "We want to show that it is the birth of the Saviour we are celebrating with Christmas."

However, not everyone likes it, as the anonymous letter that came into the mailbox on Thursday shows. Someone from the neighbourhood writes that it is already the third year that the cross is illuminated and that the neighbours do not like looking at it every day. "Berger church is close by, and there are enough crosses there. They belong there and not in a private home in a single residential area. We think that it is ruining the street and we are not happy to see it", the letter states, among other things. In addition, the writer requests the moving the cross so that it is less visible or even removing it altogether. The letter is signed by "good neighbours."

Forced

Yet, the Weierud family is hurt by its content. "We sat down and prayed for the neighbours", May Britt says to Dagen. "We are four Christians living in this house, and we don't bother anyone. We just want to be accepted."

In the meantime, several neigbours let the couple know that they support them and do not stand behind the letter, Dagen writes. Also, on Facebook, the Weierud family receives quite a bit of support.

According to Norge Idag, some of the neighbours even sent another letter. "Full support and sympathy for you. The cross is part of the Christmas Gospel and the fact that the cross lights up is just nice", it states. "It has completely turned around", May Britt Weierud reacts.

Removing the cross is not quite an option, she says. "When someone sends us an anonymous letter, I feel we cannot do it. We cannot allow ourselves to be forced to turn off the cross. Then I feel I am failing what I stand for and believe in." She adds that it would be different if the neighbours came up to her and talked to her in person.