Churches express solidarity with Greenland

Ilulissat, Greenland. File Photo: Claus Grue/WCC

Source: World Council of Churches

Churches of many denominations have expressed solidarity with Greenland's right to self-determination, urging respect for human rights, and offering prayers.

Today the Porvoo Communion of Anglican and Lutheran Churches in Europe expressed their urgent and grave concern regarding the recent statements of the United States administration in relation to Greenland.

"Our communion includes the Church of Greenland and we feel compelled by our bonds of shared faith, hope, and love to support our sisters and brothers, through our prayerful communion in Christ Jesus, in the power of the Spirit," the statement reads. "This is a question of human rights, dignity, and respecting international laws and treaties. We are a small people, but we are not invisible."

The Porvoo Communion affirmed the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future.

"Furthermore, we affirm the principles of the United Nations Charter which enshrine the equality of all members, the territorial integrity and political independence of states, the restraint of dominance, coercion and force, and the obligation to settle disputes through peaceful dialogue," reads the statement.

The Church of Sweden expressed concern that the integrity of Greenland and the dignity, independence, and right to self-determination of the Greenlandic people are being called into question.

"We support the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Greenland and Bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk," reads the statement. "We support the statements of our sister churches on the situation and stand with all those who stand with Greenland and the Greenlandic people within the worldwide church."

The Church of Sweden asked and urged its congregations to pray for a prompt solution for Greenland that observes human rights and is in line with international law. "A solution that puts an end to threats to Greenland's integrity and self-determination, placing peace and the dignity of every human being at its core," reads the statement. "Our relationship as parts of the Nordic Evangelical-Lutheran fellowship is strong, and we value the relationship we have had and continue to have with you and the entire Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark."

The Church of Norway extended heartfelt solidarity to the people of Greenland in this difficult time. "We hold you in prayer and encourage our congregations to pray with perseverance for peace, dignity, and mutual respect among nations," reads the statement. "We echo your conviction that Greenland's people and future must never be decided over their heads."

The Church of Norway gave thanks for the Diocese of Greenland's faithful ministry together with the bishops of Folkekirken in the Kingdom of Denmark.

"The Church of Norway stands ready to accompany you in prayer and advocacy, and we will encourage our own communities to support Greenland's right to self-determination and to call on elected leaders to uphold international law and the dignity of the Greenlandic people," reads the statement. "May Christ's peace sustain you, and guide us as we build the future together."

The national bishops of the Lutheran Church in Canada, Denmark, and the US issued a joint statement supporting Greenlandic people.

"We pray for and encourage our own congregations and people to pray for and stand with Greenland and the Greenlandic people who want to maintain their independence," reads the statement. "We pray for peace and respect between nations."

Many church leaders have spoken up in defence of Greenland since Trump's recent statements. On 19 January, Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington and Joseph Tobin of Newark, NJ, issued a statement urging the Trump administration to use a "moral compass" saying US military action in Venezuela, threats of acquiring Greenland and cuts in foreign aid risk bringing vast suffering instead of promoting peace.