Statements
Table of Contents
- Statement of Jerusalem
- Statement on Freedom of Religion
- Statement on East Timor
- Statement on Human Rights
STATEMENT ON JERUSALEM
left to right: Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Cheehwa, Rev. Dr. Gottfried Brakemeier, LWF President, and LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko. |
As we approach the year 2000, with the
peace process in the Middle East at a difficult stage
and the status of Jerusalem still unresolved,
The Lutheran World Federation Ninth Assembly:
- reaffirms that Jerusalem is the city of two nations - Israel and Palestine - in which both practise their human and national rights;
- reiterates that Jerusalem is a city significant for three religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - in which they practise their full rights of freedom of worship and religion for individuals and religious communities, as well as civil and historical rights which enable them to carry out their religious, educational, medical and other activities;
- states that the current settlement policy jeopardizes the peace process and that changes in the situation in Jerusalem with regard to demo-graphy and the land should take place only in the context of negotiations;
- calls on the Israeli government and the Palestinian National Authority to resume their political negotiations immediately so that suffering will be lessened and the development of extremism of various kinds will be curbed;
- affirms that peace cannot take root in the Middle East without a process of reconciliation in which the churches should have a role with regard to peace education and building mutual understanding and confidence;
- encourages the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan to continue ecumenically its dialogue among the adherents of the three major religions in order that the peoples can be reconciled and become a strong basis for a durable just peace among the Palestinians and Israelis; and
- affirms its willingness and efforts to promote awareness among the churches on this issue and facilitate dialogue until justice, peace and reconciliation abound
STATEMENT ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION
 Candles are lit at the beginning of the Sunday Festival Eucharist |
No modern state that aspires to be respected as a democratic nation can ignore the issues of religious freedom and tolerance or continue to violate these fundamental human rights, which are enshrined in Article 18 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. No religion or institution can propagate its own faith at the expense of the innate freedom of every human being to accept or to reject any religion. "Fundamentalism", whether political or religious, is contrary to the basic values of human dignity and freedom and often violates fundamental human rights.
We confess that religious people are often the worst violators of this noble principle. Many nations have excellent laws to protect all aspects of religious freedom, but their implementation is impeded by ideological or fundamentalist principles.
As incidents of religious discrimination and intolerance appear to be increasing in all parts of the world, even in countries with a strong human rights tradition, the Ninth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation recognizes the need to call all the member churches and the ecumenical community to redouble their efforts and to cooperate widely in promoting and defending religious freedom in their own societies and internationally.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998, the member churches are requested to focus on religious freedom in the context of other economic, social, cultural, civil and political human rights:
- through prayers and intercessions, Bible studies and worship;
- through educational materials, seminars and public manifestations;
- by participating in programs of cooperation with people of other faiths; and
- by interceding with state authorities and religious authorities wherever necessary in defence of individuals or groups whose rightful religious freedoms are being curtailed or denied.
The Assembly asks the General Secretary to present a comprehensive report to the Council in the year 2000 on the involvement of the member churches in promoting and defending religious freedom.
STATEMENT ON EAST TIMOR
The Assembly is concerned about the issue of East Timor, and strongly supports the ongoing peace talks between all parties. We expect and pray that in the not too distant future a solution which is agreed by all parties will be reached.
STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS
left to right: Mr. Nicki Lazarus Gaseb, Namibia; Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Pang, Singapore; Dr. Sigrun Møgedal, Norway |
In Christian love and concern, the Lutheran World Federation commits itself to continuing and persistent support for human rights in all countries throughout the world where people still yearn for justice and fundamental freedoms. The Lutheran World Federation makes this commitment as part of the worldwide Christian family and among the other faiths which desire and seek justice and peace, and expresses such commitment in prayer, advocacy, dialogue and solidarity.
