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Statement for
CEC Assembly Trondheim Hearing 27 June 2003:
Healing
of Memories - an ongoing task - Roma and the Nordic
Churches
In the struggle against racism
and xenophobia in Europe, the question of the treatment
of Roma is of utmost importance. Reports by international
monitoring institutions such as the EU Monitoring
Centre on Racism and Xenophobia or the European
Commission against Racism and Intolerance have outlined
that Roma are among those groups most affected by
racism, xenophobia, discrimination and all forms
of social and cultural exclusion. Roma are a minority
in almost every European country.
A number
of churches have over the last years become aware
of the issue of the exclusion of and discrimination
against Roma. They have increasingly recognised
their active role in the marginalisation, exclusion
and oppression of Roma - through their preaching,
actions and partly their theology. This recognition
proved to be a painful process, often accompanied
with accusations that the churches were only half-heartedly
committed to the issue. Other churches are still
less willing to address the issue. The honest analysis
of the churches contribution in the racist exclusion
of Roma, the asking for forgiveness and the beginning
of a process of healing of memories thus seems of
crucial importance for all churches in Europe.
In
the late 90s, the Nordic churches have been particularly
active in this process, Churches issued statements
of asking for forgiveness and engaged in diaconal
and human rights work related to Roma issues. On
various occasions, events were organised in cooperation
with Roma organisations. Roma organisations from
their side have tried to respond to the developments
in the churches and an interesting process has developed.
Yet statements from inside the Nordic churches show
that many church members believe that reconciliation
and healing of memories still has a long way to
go.
At the hearing on Healing
of Memories - an ongoing task - Roma and the Nordic
Churches on 27 June 2003, Roma from Finland,
Norway and Sweden give an account of their view
with regard to the reconciliation processes. Many
of them have been part of these processes for many
years. These processes are not easy, for neither
side; indeed they are demanding patience, tolerance
and respect. Memories of the past, of wounds, and
uncovering prejudice are important to being able
to live together, to overcoming barriers, indeed
for healing inflicted wounds.
We therefore
wish to recommend to the Assembly of the Conference
of European Churches to take decisions for CEC and
its member churches,
To assist and facilitate
processes of healing memories by encouraging research
and encounter;
To encourage the churches
to fully acknowledge their role in the marginalisation
and suppression of Roma, and to ask for forgiveness;
To tackle prejudice and combat segregation,
still a common phenomenon in many European societies
in the fields of education, health, housing and
social welfare;
To facilitate participation
of Roma representatives in relevant working groups
or task forces on human rights including social
rights;
To undertake an ecumenical team visit
to countries and churches in Central and Eastern
Europe to look into the situation of Roma minorities,
churches' responses and relevant projects and processes.
To
announce a campaign of the " Integration Of
Roma" in the European Churches.
To encourage
Theological Institute or decision making bodies
in CEC or CCME to have a special seat for Roma.
We
sincerely hope that with such activities, we can
contribute to the biblical calling "that they
may be one".
Sincerely,
Veino
Lindberg Henry Hedman
Lars Dimitri Leif
B. Larsen
Pastor Researcher
Pastor
Finland Finland
Sweden
Norway
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