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While the recent NATO summit in the Netherlands focused on military readiness, Christian leaders in the country have been advocating for peace and justice. They urge people to pray for peace and provide aid to victims of war.
A Dutch bishop stated, "If you direct your prayer to all victims of war, you are always on the right track."
The NATO summit, held from June 24-25 and described as "transformational" and "historic," saw 32 members endorse a plan to increase defense spending significantly. In response, the Dutch Council of Churches remarked that relying solely on military force without accompanying it with biblical justice is "shortsighted." The council emphasized that Europe's defense should promote peace and justice.
Bishop Gerard de Korte of 's-Hertogenbosch highlighted that wars often stem from injustice. He noted that many conflicts are rooted in daily life issues like poverty and injustice. Bishop de Korte mentioned that discipleship happens at a micro level: “How do you, for example, deal with anger? Jesus shows the way in the Sermon on the Mount with his call to turn the other cheek and to pray for your enemies.”
He also referred to the doctrine of just war developed by thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas but asserted that none of today's wars meet these criteria due to their failure to distinguish between soldiers and civilians.
"Civilians are deliberately targeted to break morale," said Bishop de Korte, citing conflicts in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, and Iran-Israel as examples.
When asked about faith communities' roles amid these conflicts, Bishop de Korte expressed hope: “Religions can be gentle forces and serve as countervoices against the violent.” He added that Catholicism could play this role through nonviolence.
On May 29 during Ascension Day, a service was held in 's-Hertogenbosch's cathedral where prayers were offered for both Ukrainian and Russian victims. This gesture aimed at breaking enmity left a significant impact on participants.
Throughout the NATO summit week from June 22-29, local church leaders encouraged Catholics to pray for peace daily. Bishop de Korte stressed recognizing shared humanity regardless of differences: “It’s crucial to realize that no matter who you are...you have one Creator.”
Amidst global violence concerns, he posed reflective questions about humanity's responsibility while finding inspiration from St. Titus Brandsma's attitude towards Nazi guards during World War II despite their ideological grip.
In contrast with religious appeals for peace at grassroots levels within society’s conscience-driven efforts towards seeking harmony over discordance stands political reaffirmation from world leaders like President Donald Trump affirming NATO's collective defense clause Article 5 commitment: "I left there saying that these people really love their countries...we’re here to help them protect their country."
Elsa Eikema contributed reporting from Katholiek Nieuwsblad—Dutch Catholic media outlet.
