Statssekretær Olav Kjørven

Hilsningsinnlegg ved åpningen av European Conference of Religious Leaders

Oslo, 11. november 2002

Your Excellencies, honored guests

It is an honor and a privilege for me to greet you at the opening of this important conference of European religious leaders. I believe that the conference addresses themes that are becoming increasingly important for Europe's social, political and economic development, and indeed for Europe’s role in the world.

It has often been a mistaken assumption that Europe is a homogeneous continent, consisting of highly developed and affluent nations. This might possibly have been true in the past with regard to the western part of the continent. It has certainly not been the case for the last decade. Europe is a continent of considerable diversity, not only with regard to affluence, but also as concerns social norms and religious practice. Europe is a continent of many peoples and many faiths. Indeed, the composition of this audience testifies to this fact.

There is a religious awakening in much of Europe. In this sense, we can say that religious revival is a uniting force in an otherwise diverse reality. This opens for new approaches to shared issues and concerns. We should fully explore the possibilities of building on this religious interest for the benefit of the people of Europe. As religious leaders, you have the moral authority to address the major issues affecting the people and the countries of Europe.

In preparing for this little speech. I thought about the question: What is the essence of religious leadership? Forgive me for venturing into your territory. You have certainly thought more about this than I have. But, since I have the podium – I will take the liberty. Once I have left you might feel free to shoot down what I am trying to make as a case.

You have tremendous responsibility towards your own religious community, fellow man and society at home and internationally, and God. I will claim that your challenge is more challenging than that of political leaders. And here is why.

On the one hand, you must or should as religious leaders, communicate a message to the community around you and the world, which is not always comfortable or popular among your audiences, which may fly in the face of power, what is popularly held as appropriate. Think of the old prophets and the consequences that they often faced. Now, you do this from unidentical perspectives. There are differences of identity. Very easily, this triggers perceptions in a society around you of animosity amongst you, across religious boundaries.

In turn, this can easily be misused as grounds for stirring or encouraging conflict between people, even violent conflict. A fertile ground for instigators and war mongers. Sometimes religious leaders themselves have crossed this line and ended up actively contributing to the conflict.

But, now to the other side of the equation – you also have the obligation, stemming from religious beliefs and ethical basis – to be peacemakers, servants of a message of love and compassion across boundaries, encompassing all of humanity.

So here, perhaps you must live with an inherent, constant tension. For, and this is the question for you – can you truly fulfill the latter imperative of being peacemakers with credibility, force, and energy –unless you are also capable of being messengers of moral tough truth, of straight talk in a world not always receptive?

I think not. It is only by the balancing act of speaking with fervor against injustice, moral corruption, and speaking and acting the message of peace, tolerance, non-violence, love – that the essence of religion comes out in the world. This is, in my personal view, what it means to be ”salt in the world”, as Christ said. But this is a tall order. My job is a lot easier.

The World Conference on Religion and Peace is about unleashing this tremendous source of positive human energy. And it is about recognizing the monumental potential religious communities represent as civil institutions. The WCRP is dedicated to make the most of the enormous potential for dialogue, understanding and common action embedded in religious communities. Through the worldwide cooperation among religious leaders, you have created a forum that is unique in every sense of the word.

The WCRP is active in some of the most troubled places on earth. You boldly enter into conflict areas that many others shun away from. You dare approach problems that many others do not comprehend, let alone try solve. The WCRP has unleashed multi-religious collaboration to strengthen the ability of religious organizations across the world. Your list of successes is long. Let me mention your undisputed efforts in West Africa and the Balkans. And your extraordinary work to help the millions of children who have been affected by AIDS in Africa.

My government attaches great importance to your work, and to the results you have achieved. In light of your commitment to peace, development, human rights and children is highly acknowledged, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign affairs has given substantial contribution to the WCRP for several years.

Faced with the problems of the world today, we all have a responsibility towards those less fortunate than ourselves. You are willing to take this responsibility, and you act upon it. You act in a manner that has proven constructive time and time again.

If I may borrow religious language, “you are doing the Lord’s work”. You are true to your calling. As you go forth, and through your work, may the world be renewed.

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