Sixty year ago leaders from the churches gathered when Europe was in a shambles, the world had entered the age of nuclear weapons and the world was horrified by the Holocaust. They gathered to assess what was happening, to heal the wounds of war and build the peace. They like other leaders of their time knew that war was a failure and that with the new nuclear weapons of war, the consequences of another war were inconceivable. Along with other leaders they set about to create an international systems of institutions, laws, and other meeting places that would build the peace.
Now some sixty years later, the world is a very different place. The post war system with all its problems and failings – and there have been many – has helped build a way to resolve conflicts without having to resort to the use of violence. Yet sadly today, too many governments and leaders have come to see the use of force as acceptable and the post war system as optional. The increasing militarization of diplomacy, aid, and international relations is a challenge to the vision and commitment of Lund in 1947. This will be the global-ecumenical-multifaith challenge that we take from Lund in 2007.
- Rev Dr David Pfrimmer, Principle Dean of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, is an LWF Council Member.
Posted by elcic2 
