Rev. Sally Azar and Rev. Dr Sivin Kit led the workshop in Iceland. Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
Workshop in Iceland highlights challenges and resilience of Palestinian Lutherans
(LWI) - In a world marked by conflict and war, being connected as churches in communion offers hope and strength. This was the central message of a workshop held on 29 August in Iceland, featuring Rev. Sally Azar from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), and Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit, Director for Theology, Mission, and Justice at The Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
Part of a peace-focused program during the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland’s Church Days at Lindakirkja, the workshop highlighted the resilience of Palestinian Christians.
The community of Palestinian Christians is small but deeply connected, said Rev. Azar Our faith holds us together, and we draw strength from one another, she added. “Olive trees, with their wide roots, symbolize a strong connection to the land. As Palestinian Christians we have strong roots,” she said, adding that for the Lutheran church planting olive trees is a symbol of their hope for the future.
Rev. Azar also shared the difficulties faced by her community, noting that some Christian families have left due to the ongoing conflict, with more considering departure. “I can’t blame anyone for wanting to leave,” but I believe that “as a Christian community we have to stay and tell the story of Jesus and share the message of Jesus today. This is Jesus’ land. If we leave, who will be here?”
Rev. Kit highlighted the importance of solidarity among LWF member churches. Many of them are working and witnessing in places plagued by conflict and war. “We may be living in vastly different contexts, but we are united as part of a global communion, and we are strengthened by knowing we stand together in prayer and solidarity,” he said.
Prayer candles on a world map, lit during a prayer for peace at the Icelandic Church Days. Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
Blessed are the Peacemakers
The Icelandic Church Days, themed “Blessed are the Peacemakers” (Mt. 5:9), gathered thousands from across the country for worship, workshops, and a marathon of hymn singing from the new hymnal of the ELCI. The event also marked a leadership transition in the Icelandic church as it bid farewell to Bishop Agnes M. Sigurðardóttir, the first woman to serve as bishop of Iceland, who stepped down after 12 years. Her successor, Rev. Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir, was consecrated in Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík, on 1 September.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland is a founding member of the LWF.
