Rooted in Christian faith and the call to peacemaking, the statement rejects the misuse of religion to justify violence and reaffirms the Church’s responsibility to stand for international law, human dignity, and solidarity with those affected by war.
– This initiative correspond also with a global call from the World Council of Churches(WCC), inviting the global ecumenical community to prayers for peace, says General Secretary Einar Tjelle, Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations.
WCC invites people and churches to join in global prayers for peace, starting with the Middle East on 26 March.
Read more: WCC invites global ecumenical community to prayers for peace | World Council of Churches
Statement: God is the God of Peace
The General Synod of the Church of Norway gathers at a time when the world is marked by war, violence, and deep conflicts. The news is dramatic. We are distressed by the massive human suffering. International law is being violated by some of the world’s most powerful leaders. We feel powerlessness, anger, and fear for the future. As part of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ, we confess our faith in God as the God of peace, and renew our calling to be peacemakers.
God is with those who are affected by war. Jesus was deeply moved and shaken when people were violated and oppressed. Our faith is that Jesus’ profound compassion is the same today, in the midst of human pain and despair.
The World Council of Churches stated at its first General Assembly in 1948: “War is contrary to the will of God.” When God’s name is misused to justify wars of aggression, oppression, and violations of human dignity, this is contrary to God’s will.
Jesus says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The General Synod emphasizes:
- We reject the religious legitimization of wars of aggression and violence. Only peace is holy.
- The Church has a responsibility to hold authorities and those in power accountable when human rights are violated and when the international law is undermined.
- The Church is called to work for peace, reconciliation, and justice - locally, nationally, and globally - and to stand in solidarity with people and churches living in areas affected by war and conflict.
The worldwide Church will soon celebrate Easter. Jesus’ death and resurrection give hope and strength. The General Synod encourages everyone to light a candle and join in prayer for peace in the world:
Grant peace, O Lord God, grant peace
in our troubled times!
Come down to us, strong and gracious,
when in our powerlessness we struggle.
Grant the world peace, O Lord!
(Martin Luther, Norwegian Hymnal no. 730)