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Discussions centered around how disarmament work, though often carried out with an emphasis on security, also requires an approach that embraces humanitarian concerns, human rights, environmental issues, and health.
"We welcome the ongoing collaboration with ICAN and look forward to working with the new executive director Melissa Parke and her team as we seek to work together, to advocate for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons which is, alarmingly becoming a major concern and threat to peaceful living in the world. Our joint work in this area requires the breaking down of silos and interdisciplinary collaborations to engage in meaningful action and advocacy for nuclear disarmament,” said Pillay. “The WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs has long advocated against nuclear weapons and we will work also with our commissions focusing on health and on climate justice to ensure a holistic approach to supporting our churches as they raise their voices against weapons of mass destruction. "
Parke reflected on why it is critical to have even more endorsements from partners at this stage of the campaign.
“At this time of heightened tensions and outright conflict, it has never been more urgent or important to take action to eliminate nuclear weapons,” she said. “Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction, the very existence of which constitute a moral injury to our beautiful earth and all of its inhabitants. We welcome individuals and partners around the world to join with us to make our planet safer, healthier and more sustainable.”
Parke noted that faith-based organisations understand with their minds and their hearts the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.“They can advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons from this holistic perspective and help to inspire individuals and groups to get involved in the campaign,” she said. “Faith-based organisations can contribute by emphasizing the intersectionality between nuclear weapons and health, nuclear weapons and the environment, nuclear weapons and development, nuclear weapons and human rights—can there be no greater infringement of human rights than nuclear weapons?” she said this expressing how it affects indigenous peoples. “
Pillay reaffirmed the need for the WCC and ICAN to continue to work together to make the world a safe, stable and peaceful place for all people and creation.
Join the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)
Learn more about the WCC work on "Arms control and disarmament"
