History, they say is “written by the victors”, meaning that those who win conflicts have the power to shape historical narratives, which often overshadow the perspective of those who are defeated. It’s a quote which is often associated with Winston Churchhill but its origins are unclear. However, it’s a phrase which is often picked up by those striving for their own particular goals, aims and objectives and has recently been used by pro-Palestine student groups, and others in support of Ukraine. Naturally, when we see such heartbreaking suffering and conflict on our television screens we may certainly wish that somebody would do something to end the pain, promote peace and be on ‘the right side of history’. But how do you do that when both sides consider themselves to be ‘in the right’? For instance, President Trump has recently called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and President Zelenskyy has immediately agreed to go to Turkey for peace talks and has challenged his political opponent to do the same, pointing out that it’s Vladimir Putin who is the real obstacle to peace. Inevitably, the lack of trust between the two sides combined with the fear of covert military manoeuvring makes finding a genuine solution extremely difficult. The same can be said for the terrible conflict that exists between Israel and Gaza.
In the light of all this, it was very encouraging to see the new Pope, Leo XIV, use his very first Sunday address from St Peter’s Square, Rome to call upon global leaders to stop waging war. “I turn to the powerful of the world repeating the always timely appeal: never again a war” calling for a just, authentic and lasting peace, for the liberation of prisoners of war and the return of deported Ukrainian children to their families. Turning to the conflict in Gaza, he said he supported an “immediate ceasefire, humanitarian support to the exhausted civilian population and the freeing of hostages”. Following talks with America, Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as a good will gesture in the hope that it would promote humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the world waits to see how Israel and America will respond.
The Christian will be aware that the Psalmist wrote, “Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34.14) and that Jesus, in his famous sermon on the mount said, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy … blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5.7,9). This is neatly summed up in the great command which is, “love God with all your heart and your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22.34). When it comes to international conflicts we may have limited scope or influence, but I appreciated this quote from US Republican John Lewis who gave a passionate speech on the floor of the House of Representatives before his colleagues voted on whether or not to impeach Donald Trump, reminding them that what they did was not just a political duty but a moral obligation:
“When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something. Our children and their children will ask us, ‘What did you do? What did you say?’ … We have a mission and a mandate to be on the right side of history.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5.9
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Stephen Thorp 