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The delegation also visited the Reformation Museum, St Pierre Cathedral, and Lutheran World Federation.
In the aftermath of the recent geopolitical turmoil around Greenland, church life there goes on as usual. The difference is that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greenland has become a voice heard far beyond the Arctic shores of this beautiful island.
For Munk, 2026 started off in an unprecedented way. Threats from the US president to take over her home country – with military force, if necessary – caused outrage and anxiety across the island. The bishop’s response on social media spread around the globe in seconds. Since then, the diocesan office in Nuuk has been flooded with messages expressing solidarity with the Greenlandic people.
The World Council of Churches quickly joined a choir of solidarity and support. An interview with Munk was published shortly after her post on social media, followed by remarks from the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay urging the US government to reconsider its current direction in international relations. A few days later, church leaders from the Nordic region and North America convened online for an urgent cross-regional exchange.
Pillay underscored the WCCs commitment to justice and human rights.
“We walk in solidarity with you; we stand with you in this situation. You are not alone and we will do everything we can to support you,” he said.
The visit gave the delegation an opportunity to share their concerns and, for the WCC, to learn more about the current situation from an Indigenous perspective. It was an
opportunity to strengthen the dialogue and further explore areas of cooperation to advance human rights.
”It means a lot for us to know that we are not alone and that we are listened to. We are very grateful for that,” Munk underlined.
Staying at Chateau de Bossey, the delegation learned more about the ecumenical institute and met with students. By special invitation, they also visited the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations, where the ambassador and permanent representative of Denmark, Ib Petersen, shared an overview of peace-building efforts and initiatives by the UN, which involve cooperation with the WCC and other nongovernmental organizations.
“This has been a very pleasant, informative and fruitful visit. We are so grateful for all the support,” Munk concluded.
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WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomes the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greenland’s bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk in Geneva.
Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC
