Almost a year ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Vatican at the conference Plans for a world without nuclear weapons and for full disarmament. It was good to hear Pope Frans's clear speech in this context, and I hoped he would be able to influence the rest of Christianity – and the world. Then Knut Arild Hareide comes with refreshing political play here at home and talks about solidarity, citizenship and other important values that need to be given more space in our social planning – and it even in a situation where Norway is hardened by provocative NATO forces on giant exercise!
Can the Christian People's Party help us to counter the huge ongoing militarization? Can they help us so we don't have to see a grinning, naively complacent Prime Minister enjoying himself in military bridges? Can they help make Pope Frans's words ours ?:
"[T] he escalating arms race continues unabated, and the costs of developing and modernizing weapons, not just nuclear weapons, constitute a significant expense for individual countries. This puts the real priorities of our human family second, such as the fight against poverty, peacebuilding, education, ecology and health projects, and the development of human rights […]. International relations can not be held captive by military power, mutual threats and display of weapons stockpiles. Weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, only create a false sense of security. They can not form the basis of coexistence between members of our human family. " (Speech during the conference on humanitarian...
Dear reader.
To continue reading, create a new free reader account with your email,
or logg inn if you have done it before. (click on forgotten password if you have not received it by email already).
Select if necessary Subscription (69kr)