Recognition of Palestine important step

Bishop Hans-Erik Nordin, Strängnäs Diocese. Photo: Magnus Aronson/IKON.

The Swedish Government’s recognition of Palestine today may be an important step to help initiate the peace process and a two-state solution, but time is running out. The Government’s decision is in line with the decision made by the Church of Sweden’s General Synod two years ago. These are the words of Bishop Hans-Erik Nordin, Strängnäs Diocese.

“In a situation in which the peace process between Palestine and Israel has again reached deadlock and in which the Israeli government is continuing the plans for additional illegal settlements, most recently in Eastern Jerusalem, initiatives need to be taken to give peace a chance. Otherwise there is an obvious risk that radicalisation on both sides will increase, and thereby also violence,” says Hans-Erik Nordin.

“Hopefully a Swedish recognition will pave the way for additional recognitions. The House of Commons in the UK took a stance a couple of weeks ago, which was a signal that provided a direction in terms of morality.”

In 2012 the General Synod, the highest decision-making body in the Church of Sweden, decided to urge the Swedish Government to work towards Palestine being accepted as a full member of the UN.

Press contact: The Church of Sweden’s duty press service, tel. +46(0)18169475.