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World Council of Churches: Climate, ecology, and theology: all connected!

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Newsdesk
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1 September 2022, Karslruhe, Germany: Moderator of the WCC central committee Dr Agnes Abuom (left) leads a dialogue session with Julia Rensberg (centre), a delegate of the Church of Sweden, representing the Sámi Council within the Church of Sweden and Rev. Bjorn Warde, a delegate of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (right) during the first thematic plenary of the 11th WCC Assembly. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme "Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity."

In 1998, the Orthodox Church, followed by several churches, set aside 1. September as a day dedicated to creation.

With the symbol of water, without which there would be neither physical nor spiritual life (eg. baptism) on earth, the morning prayer introduced the assembly to this theme in a lively and prayerful way. At the heart of the liturgical action were containers of water from every continent, a “gathering of the waters” reflecting the act of creation in the first chapter of Genesis (v. 9)

As the waters intermingled, the assembly affirmed both our dependence on creation and our union with the risen Christ through baptism. Through him, in whom all fullness dwells, God has reconciled everything on earth and in heaven, as the Bible reading for the day from Colossians 1:9 states

“The Green Patriarch

In his address, the “green patriarch” of Constantinople Bartholomew – “green” because of his commitment to the environment – stresses that the resurrection of Christ leads us to change our view of the world: “The heart of the universe is Christ, not ourselves. When we are transformed by the light of his resurrection, we become able to discover the purpose for which God created each person and thing”.

He calls for a radical change, refusing to reduce our spiritual life to our personal interests and questioning our consumption habits in relation to the resources of creation.

Christian unity calls for common ecological action.

In line with Bartholomew, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon (also of the Patriarchate of Constantinople) is convinced that the search for Christian unity must also lead to a conversion with regard to creation. We are stewards not only of the Church but also of Creation.

Last year, together with Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Bartholomew signed a joint statement calling on the churches to reconcile and commit together to be good stewards of creation. “If we do not become more sober now, we will pay terrible consequences. The current situation calls for common action. Ecology is a consequence of our faith in Christ,” says Bishop Emanuel.

In his report, the Orthodox theologian Ioan Sauca, acting General Secretary of the WCC, also shared his conviction that climate and ecological issues are a theological issue. Through his incarnation, Christ has indeed taken on everything. God’s purpose in Christ also includes reconciliation and the healing of creation. “I will not mince my words: our planet will be uninhabitable in 50 years if we do not change our behaviour.

The voice of youth

The assembly gave the floor to young people from north to south, east to west. Julia Rensberg, a delegate from the Church of Sweden, comes from the Sami people in northern Scandinavia. The indigenous people of the Arctic see global warming much more than elsewhere. Climate justice and respect for indigenous peoples are intimately linked. For her, reconciliation starts with telling the truth. The truth must be told about the colonization of indigenous peoples. Christ loves all creation and wants to heal it through our practice of truth.

Bjorn Warde, a delegate from the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago, loves the Caribbean, a beautiful place that he wants to care for, but which is undergoing severe environmental degradation. It’s the result of our thoughtless actions. “We know we have not been good stewards of creation. Cooperation between churches is essential and the voice of young people is not heard enough”.

“It is very important for me to raise awareness about climate change,” said Subin Tamang, a 25-year-old Nepalese. “I see the effects in my country where farmers cannot harvest wheat and rice because of drought.

Along with 25 other young people under 30, he participated in the “Climate Group” during the Youth Assembly preceding the General Assembly. “What struck me most was hearing from people in Fiji, the Philippines and the Pacific region. The high ocean levels have already affected them, and this is an anticipation to what will happen to us. I fear that the Caribbean islands will disappear,” said Tia Phillip, adding: “In 50 years’ time, that’s a lifetime for me and my nieces and nephews”.

In Nepal, Tamang leads a Baptist church youth group on climate change. He is committed to ensuring that churches have a role to play in helping communities adapt to climate change.

Carbon conversations

At the large stand of the Protestant Church of Switzerland, a “Brunnen” (the name of the workshops during the assembly) presents the “Carbon Conversations”, an awareness-raising project to reduce the carbon footprint, supported by the Swiss Protestant Aid Agency and the Catholic Lenten Fund. https://voir-et-agir.ch/pour-les-paroisses/conversations-carbone/ The method originates from England and has become popular in churches as well as in secular organizations

It is based on the observation that knowledge of the facts is not enough to change one’s habits in food, consumption, or mobility. You must meet to talk about it. Groups of 8 to 10 people meet four times for two hours with two facilitators.

This method allows for discussion without conflict or guilt. In an analysis, the University of Bern found that people who participated significantly reduced their footprint

Monasteries as models of integral ecology.

An assembly allows you to meet countless people, known or unknown, near or far. I had the joy of meeting a long-time friend, Sister Anne-Emmanuelle, prioress of the Grandchamp community. She shared with me what is happening there in terms of ecology. Inspired by the work of the Catholic theologian Elena Lasida, she and her sisters believe that monasteries, in their way of life, can be a model of integral ecology, a source of inspiration for all.    

For her, the link between ecology and monastic life is not primarily at the level of “organic” practices; it is at the level of the four relationships: to God, to oneself, to others, to nature.

S. Emmanuelle also refers to the teaching of Pope Francis in “Laudato si” which she summarises as follows: everything is linked, everything is a gift, everything is fragile. Monastic life, in its deepest intention, is a factor of unification of the person and of people among themselves, whereas in today’s world everything is fragmented. In this sense, a monastery is a paradigmatic place of integral ecology, a place where it can be fully incarnated. Monasteries are true ecosystems.

A tree, a walk and a prayer

At the end of the plenary on God’s love in creation, a cedar tree is presented by Agnes Abuom, President of the WCC, to Frank Mentrup, the Mayor of Karlsruhe. It will be planted in the “Garden of Religions”, which was created a few years ago to mark the city’s 300th anniversary. Another cedar as old as the city is already there. This tree has this message: “You can’t live without me”!

After this event, the youth climate group has organized a symbolic march along the exhibition tent area, with a call for solidarity and action on our lifestyle: “Our creation is not for sale. It is time to talk less and act more,” concluded the Indian speaker.

At the end of this rich day, the participants in the Orthodox Vespers for Creation Day said this prayer, with which I conclude this second article:

“Protect the environment, you who love us, for it is thanks to it that we live, that we are animated and that we exist, we who inhabit the earth according to your will, that we may be preserved from destruction and annihilation!

Surround the whole of creation, Christ the Saviour, with the power of your love for humankind and save the earth we inhabit from imminent destruction, for in you we, your servants, have placed our hope!”

Author: Martin Hoegger

Picture: The session on creation during the WCC Assembly / credit to Albin Hillert, WCC.

German president takes Russia to task for ‘war of aggression’ at global church gathering

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Newsdesk
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German president takes Russia to task for 'war of aggression' at global church gathering

Germany’s President, Frank Steinmeier, has taken aim at Russia as he stressed that the leadership of the Orthodox Church of Russia justifies and supports ‘war of aggression’ of his country’s political leadership in Ukraine.

Steinmeier attended the first day of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Karlsruhe on Aug. 31 evoking criticism for his remarks from the Russian church, for interference.

He said he was happy that the first assembly of the World Council of Churches in Europe after 50 years was being held in Germany.

“The heads of the Russian Orthodox Church are currently leading their members and their entire church down a dangerous and indeed blasphemous path that goes against all that they believe,” said the German leader.

The Russian Orthodox Church is the biggest Orthodox church in the WCC.

The WCC represents over 580 million Christians and includes most of the world’s Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, and many United and Independent churches..

Referring to the Russian Orthodox Church Steinmeier said, “They are justifying a war of aggression against Ukraine – against their own and our own brothers and sisters in the faith.”

‘SPEAK OUT’

He noted, “We have to speak out, also here in this room, in this Assembly, against this propaganda targeting the freedom and rights of the citizens of another country, this nationalism, which arbitrarily claims that a dictatorship’s imperial dreams of hegemony are God’s will.”

The German president said, “How many women, men and children have become victims of this hatemongering, hatred, and criminal violence?

“Carpet bombings targeted attacks on civilian buildings, apartment blocks, hospitals, shopping centers, stations, and public spaces. War crimes take place in full view of the world.”

“Here, today, we cannot remain silent. We must call it by its name. We must denounce it. As a Christian community, we must express our commitment to the dignity and the freedom and the security of the people of Ukraine.”

The Russian Orthodox Church hit back, however, in a statement from the Department for External Church Relations chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk.

“The President of Germany’s address contained completely unsubstantiated accusations fully ignoring all the humanitarian efforts the Moscow Patriarchate made in the context of the confrontation in Ukraine as well as an outright demand that the WCC Assembly should condemn the Russian Orthodox Church,” said Anthony.

The Russian church leader said he believes Steinmeier’s position “is an example of rude pressure made by a high-ranking representative of state power on the oldest inter-Christian organization.

“It is interference in the internal affairs of the World Council of Churches, an attempt to question the peace-making and politically neutral nature of its work.”

Pope Francis encourages artists to promote beauty and truth

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Vatican News
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Pope Francis encourages artists to promote beauty and truth - Vatican News

Pope Francis meets with international film, media and music celebrities at the first “Vitae Summit” in the Vatican, and reminds artists that they should use beauty to preach the Gospel.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Thursday marked the final day of a two-day meeting in the Vatican’s Casina Pio IV aimed at promoting a conversation on how to use the arts to foster a culture of hope and unity.

The “Vitae Summit”, organized by the Vitae Global Foundation, was animated by a host of celebrities of the arts, media and entertainment industries gathered to discuss their role in triggering a cultural transformation that promotes the common good, universal values and a culture of encounter.

Preachers of beauty

Pope Francis joined participants at the end of the summit and encouraged them to be “preachers of beauty”, because he said, “Beauty is good for us; beauty heals; beauty helps us go forward on our journey.”

A Holy See Press Office communiqué revealed that during their conversation, the Pope and those present focused on the need to reach out to young people, communicate the message of the Gospel, and share stories of witness and accompaniment that stem from an encounter with God.

The Pope, the statement said, pointed to the need to undertake paths of communication that lead to truth, goodness and, particularly for artists, beauty and the path of contemplation.

“A person on a journey is on a quest,” the Pope said, noting that art can provide inspiration for those who undertake a journey in the awareness that the Lord is awaiting us.

Pope
Pope Francis speaks at the Vitae Summit

Ethics of art

The Pope also expressed his hope that “art may open doors, touch hearts and help people to go forward”, and he spoke of the need for an ethical conscience for artists.

Art, he said, must stimulate “respect for people” and encourage them “to go forward rather than to buy.”

“The role of art,” he said, “is to put ‘a thorn in the heart, which moves us to contemplation, and contemplation puts us on a path.”

State of the EU debate 2022: here’s how to follow it

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European Parliament
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State of the EU debate 2022: here's how to follow it | News | European Parliament

MEPs will scrutinise the work of the European Commission on 14 September to ensure the EU addresses Europeans’ key concerns. Follow the State of the EU debate live.

What is the State of the European Union debate?

Every September, the President of the European Commission comes to the European Parliament to discuss with MEPs what the Commission has done over the past year, what it intends to do in the coming year and its vision for the future. This is known as the State of the European Union debate or SOTEU.

Following the Commission President’s presentation, MEPs, as the elected representatives of EU citizens, hold the Commission to account and scrutinise its work to make sure that the key concerns of Europeans are being addressed.

The State of the EU debate influences the Commission’s work programme for the coming year.

Why is the 2022 State of the EU debate important?

The EU’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate change, EU measures to tackle the increasing cost of living, the energy crisis and rule of law are among the most pressing issues facing the EU.

The priorities that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented during last year’s State of the European Union debate are still relevant, including efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences and the digital transformation.

The Parliament, in line with Europeans’ proposals for EU change adopted by the Conference on the Future of Europe, expects the EU to listen to people’s demands and react with ambitious policies, particularly in moments of crisis.

How to follow the State of the EU debate?

The debate will be streamed live on our website on Wednesday 14 September from 9.00 CET. Interpretation will be available in all of the EU’s 24 official languages – simply select the language of your choice.

You can also watch it live on Facebook and join the discussion on our other social media channels, including Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SOTEU.

You will find photos and videos of the event in Parliament’s multimedia centre.

Follow what MEPs are saying about the State of the European Union debate on social media via the Newshub.

 

More on the State of the European Union debate 2022 

Protect Yourself Against Heart Attack and Stroke – Train Your Blood Vessels

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Iowa State University
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Protect Yourself Against Heart Attack and Stroke – Train Your Blood Vessels

A heart attack occurs when an artery carrying blood and oxygen to the heart becomes obstructed.


Short, repeated bouts of restricted circulation using a blood pressure cuff may be beneficial to one’s health.

The majority of heart attacks and strokes worldwide are ischemic, meaning that a clot or accumulation of plaque in an artery stops oxygen-rich blood from getting to the cells in the heart or brain. When blocked for too long, tissues die.

But an increasing number of studies suggest that brief, repeated periods of reduced circulation using a blood pressure cuff may help minimize tissue damage and avoid the worst consequences of heart attacks and strokes, similar to how exercising helps muscles adapt to more rigorous workouts. According to the research, the straightforward, noninvasive surgery may improve heart and vascular function, slightly decrease blood pressure, and lessen the workload of the heart.


In a recent review study that was published in the Journal of Physiology, James Lang, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University, compiled the results of roughly 100 studies, some of which were his own. He said that “remote ischemic preconditioning” (RIPC) typically comprises five minutes of high pressure on a person’s arm followed by five minutes of relaxation, repeated three to four times.

A study participant sits in James Lang’s lab at Iowa State during a microvascular test. Credit: James Lang/Iowa State University

Numerous studies have demonstrated that a single RIPC session creates a protective window that peaks 48 hours later, but research from Lang’s team and other scientists has shown that preconditioning several days in a row may enhance the protection and support additional health benefits.


“I think there are a lot of possible applications and potential with RIPC: someone preparing for an upcoming surgery; people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, which puts them at higher risk of it happening again; people who can’t exercise, are pre-hypertensive or have sleep apnea,” said Lang.

RIPC could be helpful even for astronauts as well. To prevent cardiac and muscle atrophy brought on by microgravity in space, they often exercise for up to two hours every day, according to Lang. It could be a good idea to include blood pressure cuff sessions into their fitness routines.

Filling the gap

However, Lang noted that much more research is required to ensure that RIPC is effective in different contexts and for various population subgroups. Animal models from the 1980s and 1990s provide the majority of the knowledge on the underlying mechanisms and duration of protective effects.

“Unfortunately, a lot of researchers jumped quickly to large clinical studies in the early 2000s, and their results were inconsistent due to a host of outside influences like the participants’ medications, physical and genetic factors, age, and sex,” said Lang, adding a follow-up study from other researchers found propofol, a common form of anesthesia used in surgeries, suppresses the effects of RIPC, as well.



Since then, researchers like Lang have been working to fill the gap between animal research and big clinical trials.

“In the lab, we can do more controlled studies with human participants, try to figure out what factors influence RIPC and when the best time is to administer RIPC.”

Lang’s lab

In one study, Lang and his research team found a week of RIPC increased participants’ micro-circulatory capacity by as much as 50%. In another, they measured a modest blood pressure drop and a less active “fight or flight” response while the participants were resting.

“Together, it was improving the participants’ blood vessels and potentially reducing the workload of the heart.”

One of the ways Lang tests the effect of RIPC is by measuring how well a study participant’s blood vessels dilate when their skin is warm. Before and after RIPC, Lang attaches a small, nickel-sized device to a participant’s arm. A tiny heater warms up the skin while a doppler bounces a laser light into the micro-vessels below.

Like a weather radar picking up changes in the atmosphere, the doppler Lang uses in his lab measures changes in the flow of red blood cells as the participant’s blood vessel widens in response to the heat.

Lang explained a loss of blood vessel elasticity (i.e., the extent to which arteries can constrict or dilate) increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as dementia.

Currently, Lang is working with a researcher at Des Moines University to study how RIPC could help people with diabetes struggling with slow-healing wounds. High blood glucose levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves, and coat arteries with plaque, making it harder to get white blood cells and nutrients to cuts and sores.



While the side effects from RIPC are very low, Lang says anyone interested in trying it on their own, outside a research study, should talk to their physician first.

Reference: “Remote ischaemic preconditioning – translating cardiovascular benefits to humans” by James A. Lang and Jahyun Kim, 21 May 2022, The Journal of Physiology.
DOI: 10.1113/JP282568


EVENT | Season of Creation 2022. Join the online meeting on the “Fit for 55” Package

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COMECE
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EVENT | Season of Creation 2022. Join the online meeting on the “Fit for 55” Package
The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) invites you to participate in the online meeting on the “Fit for 55” Package to implement the Green Deal. The event will take place on Thursday 8 September 2022 with the participation of Dr. Gregor Erbach from the European Parliamentary Research Service. Click here to register

The “Fit for 55” Package is a legislative proposal of 13 interlinked measures aimed to implement the Green Deal allowing the EU to reach climate neutrality by 2050, starting with reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

The European Commission presented the package in 2021, you can find more information here. The European Parliament and the Council have adopted their positions on the “Fit for 55” package during the first half of 2022.

All co-legislators are now discussing these measures together to finalize them. The topics discussed include, among others, social and climate funds, effort sharing regulations, land use, and forestry regulations.

To better understand what is at stake, the event will feature the participation of Dr. Gregor Erbach, Head of the Climate Action and Tracking Service of the European Parliamentary Research Service, who will present the Package. The online meeting will be moderated by Stefan Lunte, General Secretary of Justice and Peace Europe. The event is organised in the context of the Season of Creation 2022.

Thursday 8 September 2022
From 15:00 to 16:00 (CET)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

What is ELSiA?
ELSiA is a network of Catholic organizations committed to joining forces to adapt the comprehensive approach of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ and related Church teachings to a European context with a special focus on the institutions of the European Union. The alliance is composed by COMECE, CIDSE, Don Bosco International, JESC, Justice and Peace Europe, Caritas Europa, and the Laudato Si’ Movement.

Churches stress the need for reconciliation, unity and peacebuilding in Ukraine

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News desk
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Churches stress the need for reconciliation, unity and peacebuilding in Ukraine

Press Release No:18/22
2 September 2022
Brussels

War in Ukraine, church dialogue, and humanitarian response were in sharp focus on third day of the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly. Church leaders from Ukraine together with heads of ecumenical organisations emphasised the need for reconciliation, unity, and peacebuilding.

The Europe plenary held on 2 September in Karlsruhe was rooted in the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10, reflecting the context of Christ’s compassionate love.

“For more than three centuries, the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union has tried to erase the uniqueness of Ukrainian people,” said Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. “But, we are successfully fighting for our freedom, for our independent future.”

Archbishop Yevstratiy appreciated the ecumenical organisations for their strong position about the Russian aggression and their appeals to the Russian Patriarch Kirill. “No one has the right to bless aggression, no one has the right to justify war crimes and acts of genocide,” he said.

Prof. Sergii Bortnyk from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church shared how his church is helping. “Many faithful have become volunteers. Our church receives and distributes different kinds of humanitarian help – especially from the neighbour countries and from our sister churches,” he said.

General secretary of the Conference of European Churches Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen highlighted how “Ukraine is a concern not only for Europe but for the world.”

“Due to our recent European past, war on European soil brings connotations that transcend their actual time and place in history. It evokes long-gone memories. And it challenges a strong European trust that this part of the world has – or had – developed into a post-war continent of lasting peace,” he said.

Sørensen shared how the Conference of European Churches organised a European Pre-assembly in February after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the programme was set overnight to accommodate the fears, uncertainty and shock that engulfed Europe at the time. “We listened to voices. We analysed. We prayed together,” he said.

Rev. Dr Dagmar Pruin, president of Bread for the World and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe shared how the war in Ukraine has brought immeasurable suffering to the people. “Destruction, displacement, torture and violent deaths are the reality for millions,” she said.

Pruin spoke about significant challenges faced by church agencies in providing aid to the victims of war, especially when there is a great need arising from other catastrophes, including climate change. She stressed that churches’ humanitarian work is, and must continue to be, rooted in the vision of diakonia.

Address of H.E. Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Orthodox Church of Ukraine

Address of professor Dr Sergii Bortnyk, Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Address of Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches

Rev. Dr Dagmar Pruin: The humanitarian response to war, refugees and migration

Video of the European plenary at the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

Photos of the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communication Officer
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ceceurope.org
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Leonid Sevastianov: The Pope is about the Gospel, not about politics

By
Jan Leonid Bornstein
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Leonid Sevastianov speaking

Chairman of the World Union of Old Believers Leonid Sevastianov recently said that Pope Francis intends to visit Moscow – and then Kyiv. We invited Leonid Sevastianov to comment in more detail both on this case and on his relationship with the Pope in general. 

JLB: Your statements about the position of Pope Francis on the war in Ukraine often appear in the media, and in fact, you act as a public mediator of the Pope. We learn more about his position and plans from you than from him. Are you authorized by the Holy Father to make such comments? 

LS: My family has known the Pope for 10 years. Our acquaintance with him took place in the context of organizing a concert for peace in Syria in the Vatican in 2013. My wife Svetlana Kasyan, an opera singer, participated in the concert with a solo program. I myself dealt with organizational issues. Since then, peace, peacemaking is exactly what our relationship with the Pope is based on. In addition, my wife and I have been actively involved in the prolife movement. In 2015, we created the Save Life Together Foundation, which works to protect the dignity and rights of unborn children. For her activities, Svetlana was elevated by Pope Francis to the rank of Dame of the Order of St. Sylvester. My wife and I greatly value our relationship with Pope Francis and even named our newborn son after him. When the war began, the Pope gave me the obedience to work in the cause of peace. I am his goodwill ambassador for the promotion of peace. You know that the Pope is a Jesuit. Jesuits spirituality emphasize the role of the individual, the little man, his autonomy in promoting the Gospel throughout the world. Pope Francis, I think, trusts me, realizing that I do not have any skeletons in the closet, and my motivation for him is clear and obvious. Pope has told me that he was ready for any step so that peace reigned in Europe. For him, a trip to Russia and Ukraine has great symbolism. He is sure that this trip will help Ukraine and Russia to agree on a world that is fair for all. 

JLB: During the protests in Belarus, you unequivocally supported the Belarusian people in the struggle for peace, freedom and justice. Whose side is the truth in Russia’s war in Ukraine now? How justified do you think Russia’s territorial claims are in relation to Ukraine, including in relation to the Crimean Peninsula?

LS: A few years ago, I would have tried to answer your question in the way in which you would like to hear my answer. But my relationship with Pope Francis helped me to understand myself as a Christian, or, if you like, to understand Christianity itself. I will answer you with a question to the question: on which side is the Pope on the issue of the destruction of the Papal States, on the issue of the conquest of Rome by Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel? Or on which side did Jesus Christ and the apostle Peter stand in the matter of the fall of Jerusalem in the year 70? My point is that Christianity as such does not answer the questions of geopolitics. Rather, it is not the competence of Christianity. Viewing Christianity as patriotism is not part of the gospel. I am not saying that a person should not be a patriot, I am only saying that Christianity cannot be drawn into the issue of patriotism and national interests. Christianity operates with questions of eternity – even when the Earth itself and the solar system will not exist. Therefore, many do not understand the Pope, they want to see him as a politician, just as many of His contemporaries saw in Christ. Being disappointed in Him as a politician, some people betray Him, others deny Him, and still others are ready to crucify Him. Let’s look at the Pope as a preacher of the Gospel, not as a politician. 

[Leonid Sevastianov already gave his personal opinion on the war, stating that from a Christian point of view, supporting it is a heresy. And on August 30, 2022, the Vatican issued a statement which contained: “As for the large-scale war in Ukraine initiated by the Russian Federation, Pope Francis’ interventions are clear and unequivocal in condemning it as morally unjust, unacceptable, barbaric, senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious.”]

JLB: You regularly give comments to TASS, which is perceived abroad as one of the mouthpieces of the Kremlin propaganda. Why do you cooperate with this particular media?

LS: There are only 3 news agencies in Russia: TASS, RIA Novosti and Interfax. No others. I cannot be responsible for others. I can only answer for myself. Only because there is no political motivation and political propaganda in my words.

JLB: You have known Patriarch Kirill for a long time, ever since he was Metropolitan of Smolensk. What is your relationship with him now? What can you say about the phrase of Pope Francis that he is Putin’s altar boy? What are your relations with Metropolitan Hilarion and the new head of the DECR Vladika Anthony (Sevryuk) now? Do you keep in touch with them?

LS: I have known Patriarch Kirill since 1995. I was sent by Metropolitan Alimpiy Gusev, chairman of the Russian Old Believers Orthodox Church, to study at the Moscow Theological Seminary through Metropolitan Kirill. At the same time, the Patriarch sent me to study in Rome at the Gregorian University, I went there in 1999 through the monastic community in Bose, which is located in northern Italy. I studied in Rome with the money of this very community under the supervision of its leader Enzo Bianchi. Then I continued my studies at Georgetown University in Washington on a scholarship from the American Bradley Foundation. I worked at Georgetown University as a chaplain, as well as at the World Bank. When I returned to Moscow in 2004, I did not want to work for the Department of External Affairs of Moscow Patriarchate (DECR). On this basis, we had a misunderstanding with Metropolitan Kirill, who then headed this structure, which, one might say, persists to this day (the misunderstanding). In 2009, after the election of Metropolitan Kirill as Patriarch and the appointment of Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) as chairman of the DECR, I created and headed the Gregory the Theologian Foundation, which sponsored the activities of the DECR and the creation and restoration of buildings and premises, of the All-Church postgraduate and doctoral studies, as well as its daily activities. Due to the fact that I did not support the rupture of communion with the Greek churches in 2018 and was also indignant at the unworthy attitude of the Moscow Patriarchate towards Old Believers, funding was stopped on our part, and I left the foundation. In 2018, the only World Congress of Old Believers in history took place, at which I presented the concept of the World Union. This concept was approved by the Congress, and in 2019 I created the organization of the World Union of Old Believers. Since then, within the framework of this organization, I have been engaged in the protection and promotion of the world’s Old Believers. I am also very much involved in Russia on promoting religious freedom for all domestically. As regards Vladyka Anthony (Sevryuk), the new head of the DECR, I know him well, from the time when he was still a student. I can’t say anything bad about him. I know him only from the best side. He never did anything bad to me or to anyone I know.

JLB: Why does the Pope intend to visit Moscow first, and not Kyiv? Did you try to discuss with him the possibility of first coming to Kyiv, and only then conveying the position of the Ukrainian authorities to the Kremlin, and not vice versa?

LS: I think that for the Pope the order of the visit is not of fundamental importance: he just wants to connect the visit to the two capitals within the framework of one trip. That is, to go to Ukraine and Russia, and whether he enters Russia from the territory of Ukraine or, conversely, to Ukraine from the territory of Russia, this is not important for him. It is important that the two visits be part of a common trip in order to emphasize the peacekeeping and humanitarian nature of the trip. I think that the Russians will not be offended if he flies to Russia from Ukraine.

JLB: How much does the Pope listen to your opinion? How important is it to him? 

LS: The Pope listens to any opinion. And for him, the smaller the person, the more important his opinion. I have seen this from my own experience. My opinion for him, I am absolutely sure of this, is no more important than the opinion of Ukrainians or those Belarusians with whom he communicates. 

JLB: The Ukrainian flock reacts very painfully to the words and actions of the Pope, believing that he is acting in the wake of the Kremlin’s policy. Does the pope see a threat to lose the Ukrainian flock by his flirting with Moscow? 

LS: Regarding the so-called “flirting” of the Pope, I would like to remind you once again that the Pope is about the Gospel, not about politics. Remember how the disciples came to Christ and told Him that many had moved away from Him because of His politically incorrect words? Then Christ asked them: And you, don’t you also want to leave Me? And it was then that Peter answered that they had nowhere to go, because He is Christ. The Pope speaks of the Gospel. And it is for everyone, both Russians and Ukrainians. Christ hung on the cross, and to the right and to the left of Him were thieves. But one of them said he wanted to be with Christ, and the other said he didn’t. Here is the story about the Pope. The Pope cannot be compared with George Washington, the Maccabee brothers, Prince Vladimir, Monomakh or King Stanislaus. The Pope can only be compared with Christ. And to ask whether His behavior corresponds to Christ or not, to ask the question, what would Christ have done in His place. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. The whole Gospel is about it!

JLB: Do you agree with the Pope’s statement that the deceased Daria Dugina is an innocent victim of the war? Did you know Daria when she was a parishioner of one of the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church? How did it happen that she became one of the propagandists of the war?

LS: You know, I would like to answer the words about Daria with the speech of the Godfather to the undertaker, who came to ask the Godfather to kill the criminals who raped his daughter. The undertaker said that justice would be served. The Godfather asked: is it fair to kill those who have not killed anyone? Even the Old Testament had a tit-for-tat rule. Daria did not kill anyone, she did not participate in the war on the front line. Therefore, her death is unjust. In this sense, she is an innocent victim of war. This is what the Pope said. I didn’t know Daria. Prior to her death, very few people knew her at all. She did not have any significant influence on the ideology in Russia.

South Korea: Conscientious objectors, a legal battle against punitive alternative service

By
Willy Fautre
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0
Hye-min Kim, a Jehovah’s Witness and an objector to military service, is the first person known to have refused “alternative service” in South Korea since it was introduced in 2020
Hye-min Kim, a Jehovah’s Witness and an objector to military service, is the first person known to have refused “alternative service” in South Korea since it was introduced in 2020

Conscientious objectors: a legal battle against punitive alternative service

Hye-min Kim, a Jehovah’s Witness and an objector to military service, is the first person known to have refused “alternative service” since it was introduced in 2020. The new system involves working in a jail or other correctional facilities for three years – twice as long as the typical 18-month military service – which makes it the longest alternative civilian service (ACS) in the world.

Under international law, countries with compulsory military service are obliged to provide a truly civilian alternative of comparable length and not be punitive in nature or length, as suggested by the UN Human Rights Committee.

Kim is charged under Article 88 of the Military Service Act, which imprisons those who fail to enlist without justifiable grounds. He believes his objection is based on “justifiable grounds” under the Act, and that the current alternative service includes excessively punitive aspects that do not measure up to international standards.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have filed 58 constitutional complaints regarding the punitive nature of ACS.

Already three major relevant government agencies have weighed in (Ministry of National Defense, Military Manpower Administration, and the Ministry of Justice).

Thirteen Jehovah’s Witnesses have filed petitions with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with over 30 others being prepared to do so.

The European Times talked with Hye-min Kim, a conscientious objector

The European Times: Can you tell us, Mr Kim, why you refuse military service?

I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as such, we follow the Bible’s teachings. Matthew 22:39 says we must love our neighbor as ourself and Matthew 5:21 telling us “You must not kill.” And in Isaiah 2:4, it is written “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.”

So, I couldn’t enlist in the military practicing killing people because I love my neighbors. That is why I am a conscientious objector.

The European Times: So, you refuse to perform military service but what is wrong with the civilian service?

Yes. I thought I would go to prison because I refused military service but the judge acknowledged my claim and acquitted me.

After that, there was an appeal trial by the prosecution, and I was acquitted there as well. Later, the Supreme Court also upheld my innocence.

Since then, an alternative service system has been established, and I am really grateful for that.

Now, instead of going to prison for refusing military service, I am able to fulfil my duty to the country reasonably. However, I found out that the alternative service system has a punitive nature.

I thought that the punitive aspect would improve over time since this was the first time an alternative service was established, but even after quite some time, it hasn’t changed.

The current alternative service requires twice the length of service compared to the military.

The authorities introduced a system similar to the military, even though it wasn’t the military. 

You must stay in a dormitory. You are limited to only working in prisons. 

Even though each situation is different – for example, when you are married and have to take care of your family – all must perform their military service according to the same framework.

As a member of this country, I want to fulfil my national duty, but the current alternative service violates my fundamental rights due to its punitive nature. Moreover, a number of objectors have a family to support, as it is my case, and for three years we will be unable to do it. This is a source of big concern for us, for our wives and our children.

I think all these punitive aspects need improvement.

These are the reasons why I am taking the risk to go to prison and I hope there will be substantial improvements in the legislation. Alternative does not mean punitive.

Human rights diplomacy

A director of the Asia Pacific Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Steven Park, states: 

“The current alternative civilian service (ACS) program does not conform to international standards. The program is limited to in-prison facilities, which consists of what legal and human rights experts are calling ‘alternative punishment.’* As a result, there is a growing number of conscientious objectors filing constitutional complaints and submitting petitions to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. We earnestly hope that the Korean authorities will soon offer them a nonpunitive option.

A spokesman at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gilles Pichaud, states: 

“We are saddened that some 900 of our fellow believers are being punished as de facto prisoners, for having exercised a fundamental right specifically recognized by the Constitutional Court and all branches of the South Korean government. Jehovah’s Witnesses are actively engaging in diplomatic talks with South Korean officials on a senior level. We are confident that the minister of justice and the presidential office will soon agree to a constructive dialogue. In the meantime, we will continue to inform officials internationally, including human rights bodies. It remains our sincere hope that conscientious objectors in South Korea will have a nonpunitive alternative to military service following the successful pattern in many other lands.”

Background information

For over 65 years prior to the ACS provision in 2018, South Korean courts imprisoned more than 19,000, mostly Jehovah’s Witnesses, who conscientiously objected to the country’s compulsory military service. Typically, they received 18-month jail terms and were saddled with criminal records and faced economic and social disadvantages that lasted far longer.

Some 900 young men are currently performing ACS in 19 different correctional facilities throughout South Korea. The first group of young men who entered the program when it began in 2020 will finish their service in October 2023.

In 2018, the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court recognized the right to conscientious objection in the country and required the government to introduce an alternative service of a civilian nature by the end of 2019.

On 27 December 2019, the legislature enacted amendments to the Military Service Act. However, the legislation still imposes unreasonable and excessive burdens on conscientious objectors. It stipulates a disproportionate length of the alternative service and that it is administered by military authorities.

Since 30 June 2020, conscientious objectors have been able to apply for alternative service. In October 2020, the first batch of alternative service personnel started their 36-month duty, which was limited to working in prisons or other correctional facilities.

Under international human rights law and standards, states with compulsory military service are obliged to provide genuinely civilian alternatives. These should be of a comparable length to military service, with any additional length based on reasonable and objective criteria. The process for evaluating claims to be recognized as conscientious objectors and any subsequent work service must also be under civilian authority.

The Volokolamsk Metropolitan Antony (Sevryuk) reacts to the speech of the German president

By
News desk
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0

Volokolamsk Metropolitan Antony (Sevryuk), who in his capacity as chairman of the Department for External Church Relations represents the Russian Orthodox Church at the WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, reacted to the speech of German Federal President Steinmeier at the opening of the forum.

In his speech, the president called on the participants to follow their Christian conscience and denounce the injustice that is being done in Ukraine. He openly stated that “the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church are currently leading their believers and their entire church down a terrible, blasphemous path that is downright hostile to the faith.” He drew a parallel with the state of the German churches after the Second World War, which were accepted to participate in the World Council of Churches without avoiding questions about the crimes committed by the Germans during the war. Steinmeier called on the participants to condemn the Russian Church’s support for the war against Ukraine, justifying it with theological arguments. According to him, dialogue cannot be an end in itself and it is only possible if both parties want it and contribute to it. Dialogue without justice is a platform for propaganda, the German president was categorical.

His speech unpleasantly surprised the Russian delegation, for whom the participation in the WCC forum in Germany is the first way out of the international isolation of the Russian Orthodox Church after the start of the war against Ukraine. H. Eminence Antony (Sevryuk), who took over the Foreign Department of the Moscow Patriarchate after Metr. Hilarion (Alfeev), issued a statement in which he expressed hope that the participants would not listen to the words of the German president and would not condemn the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the “opposition in Ukraine”.

Here is the full text of his reaction:

“On August 31, the President of Germany F.-V. During the opening of the Assembly, Steinmeier addressed the participants in the forum and in his speech questioned the validity of the participation of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the WCC assembly.

The speech of the President of Germany contained baseless accusations, completely ignoring all humanitarian efforts of the Moscow Patriarchate in the context of the opposition in Ukraine, as well as a direct request to the WCC Assembly to condemn the Russian Orthodox Church.

I believe that the position of Mr. Steinmeier is an example of gross pressure exerted by a high-ranking representative of the state on the oldest inter-Christian organization, of interference in the internal affairs of the World Council of Churches and of an attempt to question the peace-making and politically neutral nature of his activity.

It is worth noting that before Mr. President, the Acting General Secretary of the WCC, Prot. Ioan Sauka, on the contrary, noted the importance of the presence of representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate at the assembly, as it corresponds to the very essence of the largest inter-Christian organization, which should contribute to the strengthening of dialogue, peace and mutual understanding.

This publicly expressed position of the leadership of the World Council of Churches, the numerous appeals of the delegates of the WCC Assembly from Germany and other countries to the delegation of the Russian Church show that the accusations of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany against the Church do not have the expected support.

I hope that the World Council of Churches will continue to be an independent platform for dialogue, following in its activities not biased political orders from certain countries, but the goal of promoting peace and harmony.”

Photo of the Department for External Church Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian delegation

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