English
Statement from the annual meeting of the Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway, 28 February 2022:
Ukraine is subject to a brutal Russian invasion, that is causing enormous human suffering. The Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway (STL) expresses our deepest sympathy with the victims of the acts of war.
The invasion is also an attack on democracy, international law and human rights.
STL is built upon the principal of fostering mutual respect and understanding through dialogue. STLs members have anything from a few thousand to several million members. Yet all sit at the same table as equals. Disagreement is dealt with in a civilized manner.
The opposite line of thought, that power trumps law, lays behind the invasion of Ukraine.
STL challenges Norwegian authorities to accept refugees, should the need arise. We also encourage our members to support the humanitarian work in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Support and care must, in this difficult time, be shown to Ukrainians already in Norway, within and outside STLs member organizations.
STL wants to remind that the responsibility for the attack lays with the Russian leadership, spearheaded by Vladimir Putin. Regular Russians are not to be blamed for misdeeds of the regime. Russians living in Norway must be protected against hate and accusations.
The religious and life stance communities in STL stand together in condemning the attack on a peaceful and democratic county. An armistice must established urgently, followed by a permanent peace.
STL consists of 15 member organizations, and covers the width of religion and life stance in Norway:
1. mars 2022
