Address in Ris Church in Oslo in connection with the World Council of Churches’ week of action for peace in Israel and Palestine and prayer for peace

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Translation from Norwegian

Dear friends,

I would like to thank the World Council of Churches, and all the churches – including my own, Ris Church – for opening their doors this week for peace in Palestine and Israel.

We who are at this service today, 8 June, are part of a great community, made up of people all over the world.

We have listened to the insightful message of the Palestinian Bishop Munib Younan. We have seen in him great courage and wisdom. And we have reflected on a message of peace from 13 heads of churches in Jerusalem.

We are left with a deep sense that peace in the Middle East must be possible.

That the city of Jerusalem – which is closely linked with three conceptions of a good God – could become a religious centre for all believers, for all who wish to live in peace.

There are many conflicts in the world that are claiming lives and violating human dignity. We who live in peace and security have a moral duty to commit ourselves to the efforts to stop war and rearmament, and to protect humanity and respect for human dignity.

Yes, there are many conflicts in the world. Many of them are so complex that it is difficult to see a way out, how bridges can be built, what resolution everyone will be able live with. Difficult even for those who believe.

I don’t see the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in this light. It is a conflict where the solution seems obvious: a settlement with two states – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace within internationally recognised borders. A settlement that requires concerted efforts on certain difficult issues, such as the status of Jerusalem and the return of refugees. Difficult – but not impossible.

I have on a few occasions made two- to three-day roundtrips of the Middle East from Damascus via Beirut to Jerusalem, Gaza and Ramallah. These trips have strengthened my hope for peace.

Peace is possible. Ultimately, what the parties want for their communities is not so different.

Always, the most important starting point for reconciliation is to ask those in conflict what kind of future they want for their children. This is also a relevant question today with the baptism of three children in this church.

The answers given to this question can help to build bridges. They can provide negotiators with the material they need to develop solutions.

Peace has to come “from the top”: politicians and leaders must want peace, not just in theory but also in practice.

In this respect, the leaders in the Middle East need to be challenged and held accountable.

We need more action. We need real room for negotiation. The rocket attacks need to stop.

There must be no more settlements in occupied territory. The occupation must end. A spirit of peace must prevail.

Yes peace must come from the top. But it must also be supported from below. By the people. By the people in the region. But also by us.

For, as Bishop Younan reminded us, peace is all about justice. And in the fight for justice the voice of the people must be heard.

And so must our voice, we who have gathered here today. And the voice of the church, of the whole network of people of faith.

The World Council of Churches is taking important initiatives. Interdenominational dialogue between church leaders in Jerusalem – with active Norwegian support – is showing an alternative way forward, preparing the ground for something other than conflict.

As everyone knows, you don’t talk about faith in order to agree, or to convince each other that “My God is better than yours.” Heads of churches in Jerusalem are not meeting to persuade each other. They are seeking to build something greater.

We are talking together on the basis of our faith to broaden our minds, become wiser and more secure in our standpoints. In short – to lay the foundation for peace.

This is the message today from churches all over the country, and from all over the world.

Lay the foundation for peace. It is important. It is vital. And it is urgent.