Moderator Offers Solidarity to US Partners and Greenland Bishop

“As a Canadian spiritual leader, I see your Facebook post as an invitation to link arms with you, to accompany you through what are very trying times,” writes The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Moderator, to Biskop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk, Kalaallit Nunaanni Ilagiit (Lutheran Church of Greenland), about a plea to Americans that Biskop Munk had posted on social media. 

The letter of solidarity, also addressed to Biskop Peter Birch, Folkekirken, Danske Kirkers Råd (National Council of Churches in Denmark), was one of two sent by Moderator Heath last week, at a time when global stability cultivated for decades following World War II has evaporated in the space of 12 months. 

As world leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum last week in Davos, Switzerland, Moderator Heath also offered “our solidarity and prayers as Greenland finds itself the focus of a more virulent attempt at colonization and conquest from the current United States administration. And while the speeches at the World Economic Forum should provide clarity, dialogue with Greenland and Denmark, and lead to global stability, I fear they may not.”

The second letter was written to Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ USA, and Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Both denominations are full communion partners of The United Church of Canada. Last summer, at their general assemblies, they each affirmed their support of Canada, and acknowledged it as a sovereign nation.

“As your physical and spiritual neighbour, and one currently among those threatened by the current administration in the United States, we deeply appreciate your support and solidarity. We are grateful for your public and sincere support for our nation,” wrote Moderator Heath, adding, “But today I especially want to offer our solidarity, as you comfort, guide, and lead your faith communities through this time of chaos, fear, and evil.”

Read the full letters in the Downloads section below.