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A joint statement endorsed by 156 organizations celebrated the milestone and, at the same time, noted that there is urgent work yet to be done to ensure a nuclear weapons-free world.
“As a wide coalition of faith-based communities from around the world, we speak with one voice to reject the existential threat to humanity that nuclear weapons pose,” the statement reads. “As people of faith, we believe that the possession, development and threat to use nuclear weapons is immoral.”
There are no safe hands for nuclear weapons, the statement points out. “The accidental or deliberate detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause severe, long-lasting and far-reaching harm on all aspects of our lives and our environment throughout the world,” reads the text. “Further, these technologies are part of structures and systems that bring about great suffering and destruction.”
The statement also recognizes the legacy of the global hibakusha, survivors whose courage and perseverance serve as an inspiration.
“This quest will continue until all nuclear weapons are eliminated from our planet,” continues the statement. “We invite everyone, especially those in communities of faith, to join us in this work for peace, justice, and respect for life—against which nuclear weapons stand in complete opposition—in ways that are meaningful and authentic to your traditions and how you are inspired to participate."
