Suggestions of Arms Resupply in Four Nations: Perspectives of Evangelicals Across Borders
Prepare for potential conflicts, Europe! It's time to step up our game and work on creating a unified military project to tackle the threats of Russia and other potential aggressors. This message was loud and clear when the European Commission unveiled the ReArm Europe plan, an ambitious strategy aimed at investing €800 million in building a solid military foundation.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, made it clear that Europe can no longer afford to be a passive spectator in its own security. Andrius Kubilius, the Commissioner for Defence and Space of the European Union, emphasized the urgency, stating, "We must take our defense into our own hands, reinforcing our commitments to collective security and standing firm against those who seek to challenge our sovereignty."
The plan is to boost the region's arms industry, with Maria Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs, putting it simply, "What we invest in defense is how we value our defense." The backdrop for this significant shift, not surprisingly, is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Putin's stubborn defiance.
Leaders from national Evangelical Alliances in Sweden, Spain, France, and Portugal chimed in on the matter, expressing a range of emotions from concern to resolution, but a shared consensus that Christians should view the situation from a biblical worldview.
In Sweden, Olof Edsinger, leader of the Evangelical Alliance, expressed a newfound seriousness about the threat and the potential involvement of their country, acknowledging, "An armed conflict could involve our country. For Christians, the realities of war are also a biblical scenario, not least when speaking about the end times."
X. Manuel Suárez, general secretary of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance, called for Europe to "read the times," asserting that conditions similar to those that led to World War I and II are now being replicated, with Russia as the geographical expansionist. He emphasized the need for budgetary changes and tax increases to prepare for potential defense needs, stating, "We must be willing to arm ourselves for defense, and that has a price that we must be willing to pay."
In France, Therry Le Gall, a member of the National Council of Evangelicals in France, urged Christians to offer a lucid, realistic prayer without succumbing to pessimism. He suggested that every prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit counts and that every evangelical voice calling for more peace and justice will be blessed.
Elsa Correia, who leads the Network on Peace, Reconciliation, and Human Rights of the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance, emphasized the need for churches to provide social support to those in need during crises, while promoting dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation with fellow Europeans.
It's a delicate dance between prayer, preparation, and action, as Europe navigates the complexities of the global political landscape. It's crucial for us to unite, stand strong, and find balance in our pursuit of peace while fortifying our security. After all, as our biblical worldview reminds us, peace is not bought by selling out justice.
Europe's political landscape, overshadowed by war-and-conflicts, necessitates a shift in focus towards strengthening collective security. Urged by leaders of various national Evangelical Alliances, this undertaking encompasses not just prayer, but also action and preparation, as informed by general-news regarding Russia and other potential aggressors.
