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The Role of the Churches in promoting Human Security in the Baltic Sea Region

Introduction by Karin Lexën, the Christian Council of Sweden

This is a report from the seminar "The Role of the Churches in promoting Human Security in the Baltic Sea Region", which was held in Stockholm in April 1996. It comprises edited versions of most of the lectures, as well as some voices of the participant Starting with

different aspects of the concept of security, it then moves to the churches, what they have done and what they could do to promote human security At last, there are some contributions on the theme "The Role of the Church in Society and Ethics". First of all Ms Lexén, who organised the seminar, outlines its background and presents its outcome:

The people of the Baltic Sea face a unique possibility for co-operation and realisation of common visions. The old propaganda slogan "The Sea of Peace" seems to finally turn into reality. The cold war is over and the former communist states are now on their way to build democracy. The fast development of information techniques and communication and the relatively stable situation in Northern Europe make it easy to build up contacts, at different levels and in different sectors of society across national boundaries.

Still, there are many obstacles on our way towards a sustainable, just and secure region. The road towards democracy at all levels of society in the former communist States cannot be achieved in one day. Building democracy takes time and is dependent on factors like economy and unemployment, nationalistic tendencies, violence etc. In addition. democracy is not a static state once achieved. Most in the "Western" states. democracy must be a living and dynamic process that has to be reflected and fought for.

The arsenals and large military complexes along the shores of the Baltic remind us of our vulnerability. It takes time and patience to build confidence between the people of the former superpower and the peoples that were oppressed. The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. The ecological crisis doesn't know any boundaries. The globalisation of the world economy influences the daily life of us all.

It is evident, that there is a need for a new analysis and progressive ideas regarding security of the people in the Baltic Sea region. Guns and armies have never been a good, long-term means to safeguard the security of individuals and nations. Democracy social justice, a sound environment and respect for human rights are all prerequisites for Human Security. Today, threats of a potential environmental crisis. strong nationalistic tendencies and economic and social problems are more obvious than the threat of war between the states around the Baltic Sea. To build democracy and to create economic and environmental safety is the most important way to guarantee human security.

An active and strong civil society is necessary for positive development. Today; there is great potential for strengthening civil society. for confidence building and the breaking down of old enemy images. This situation poses a great challenge for churches and ecumenical bodies in the region. The notions of reconciliation is central to Christian faith, as is a human-based ethos and respect for creation. The work for security and sustainability must be viewed from a holistic perspective, where the human being is given centre stage The churches around the Baltic Sea, with their great host of different traditions, have a lot to contribute to this process. Another great benefit of the churches in this respect, is that they gather citizens from all walks of life, different age groups and different political ideas.

A platform of co-operation between churches and ecumenical organisations needs to be created. The purpose would he to enhance involvement in political developments regards to issues of security, democracy, environment and economy. Such a platform can serve in strengthening confidence and capacity when these focal issues are concerned.

Outcome of the seminar

T he participants of the seminar manifested a strong will for a continuos process of closer co-operation. Depending on differences in background, history and pressing concerns, the readiness of the churches to get involved in activities relating to justice, peace and creation differs. We believe that the churches can and should play an important role in a process towards democracy, sustainablility and security. The broad range of concerns among Christians in different countries should be reflected and respected but not seen as an obstacle. bearing in mind that democracy is not to convince others that my opinion is the only valid one but a tool to find solutions and common strategies based on our different perspectives. Confidence building and dialogue between the different churches in our region is therefore of utmost importance.

A follow-up seminar is planned for the spring of 1997. The participants expressed a wish that this seminar would focus on group work and interactive processes. It was deemed a necessary' next step to identify the burning issues and deliberate on the form of the future work. The participants agreed that the theme for next seminar should be ecological issues and the role of the churches. One idea is to connect to the process of Agenda 21, i.e. the follow up process of the UN Environment summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, with the theme Sustainable Development.

It was also agreed that the seminar, if possible, should be hosted. albeit not financed, by another country than Sweden, as the host country naturally bas a strong influence on the agenda and it is important that the network under construction is regarded as a joint effort. Both seminars, as well as the networking process. will be linked to the Ecumenical European meeting in Graz in June 1997.

Contact persons were appointed for each country. In Sweden the future work will be in the form of a co-operation between several different organisations.

We are at the beginning of an exciting road towards visible unit,. a common vision of reconciliation and a sustainable Baltic Sea region. Never in history has there been such potential for unity and co-operation. let us not fail to take advantage of the opportunity!

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