After the anti-Trump demonstrations in Greenland and Denmark, and the symbolic deployment of anti-annexation military units by European countries, the Slovenian-born Franciscan Friar Tomaž MAJCEN, OFM Conv., a Pastor in the capital city of this arctic island, speaks again to Tra Cielo e Terra [Between Heaven and Earth], a journalistic blog devoted to the geopolitics of religions.
-Father Tomaž, were you among the protesters in Nuuk? Can you tell us how civil society mobilized?
I wasn’t physically present at the protest in Nuuk, but I followed it very closely, both spiritually and in prayer. As a priest, I felt deeply united with the people. I prayed especially for peace, wisdom, and respect for this land and its people. Sometimes a priest’s presence is not on the street, but in silent prayer, bringing the concerns of the community before God.
From media reports, what struck me most was how naturally civil society mobilized. It was not driven by political structures or loud slogans, but by a shared sense of responsibility. It was a calm and dignified expression of love for one’s homeland and identity.
-What do you think about Greenland—a remote land at the edge of the world—now being in the international spotlight?
To be honest, feelings are mixed. On the one hand, Greenland has always been invisible to the world. Suddenly, everyone is talking about us. It can feel strange, even unpleasant. On the other hand, it’s painful to realize that this interest isn’t so much about the people, the culture, or the fragile beauty of this land, but rather about power and strategic advantage.
As a priest, I feel concerned. Greenland is not an empty space. It’s not just ice, minerals, or geography. It’s people, families, history, wounds, and hopes. I hope the world doesn’t just look at Greenland, but also listens to her.
-Some European countries are moving to support you by sending military forces, albeit in very limited numbers. Do you see this as a positive sign? Is it enough?
I see it mainly as a symbolic gesture. It shows that Greenland is not completely alone and that international law still matters. That is important. At the same time, I do not believe that more weapons or soldiers will really bring peace or security.
What we really need is respect, dialogue, and a clear commitment to the rights of the people who live here. Military presence may allay fears for a moment, but it doesn’t solve the deeper problem. Security should never replace human dignity.
-Trump keeps saying there are two ways to acquire the island: invade it or buy it. Would the second, bloodless option be a more acceptable compromise, in your opinion? And how would the people of Greenland react?
For most Greenlanders, this idea is deeply offensive in itself. You cannot buy a people. You cannot buy their land as if it were a soulless object. Even without the use of violence, the idea still denies the dignity and freedom of the people.
I am convinced that Greenlanders would flatly reject such a proposal. Not because they hate anyone, but because they value their identity and the right to decide their own future. As a Christian, I believe that freedom is not for sale.
-What do you think about the fact that today a global power, simply in the name of its own strength, can declare, “I need that country, so I will take it by any means necessary”?
It is frightening and should concern us all. If power alone decides what’s right, then the weak are never safe. History teaches us where this logic leads. As a priest, I cannot accept a world in which force replaces justice, and fear replaces dialogue.
From a Christian perspective, this way of thinking is profoundly problematic. The Gospel is always on the side of the small, the vulnerable, and the powerless. Might does not make right.
– In your opinion, have the voices of the Churches been timid so far regarding Trump’s ambitions toward Greenland? Do you think more should be done? How would you appeal to them?
I think the Churches could speak out more clearly and courageously. Silence can easily be mistaken for acceptance. Of course, the Church is not a political party, but it is a moral voice. When human dignity is at stake, we must speak out.
My appeal is simple: remind the world that peace is built on respect, not domination. Let’s pray, yes, but also let’s speak out. Let’s stand with those who feel small and threatened. The Church must be close to them, just as Christ was close to the forgotten.
Antonella PALERMO
Tra Cielo e Terra
