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The topic of conversation is not an easy one, he acknowledged. “Given the complex convergences of conflict, climate change, and political and financial crises, it’s harder than ever to imagine a safer world,” he said. “But of course despite – or rather because of – the increased challenges, we must not only imagine but concretely work for a safer world.”
Prove noted that the WCC 11th Assembly tried to grapple with the complexity of current converging threats to sustainable and just peace. “Dialogue and encounter across divisions is the core purpose of the WCC, and is also our prescription in every case of conflict and tension, and for a safer world,” he said. “The absence of dialogue never alleviates tensions or conflict, but can only exacerbate them. “
This is not an abstract principle, but is demonstrably true, Prove emphasized.
“Unfortunately, human beings – or more specifically men – have shown extraordinary ingenuity in amplifying our capabilities to kill each other,” he said. “And no weapons category amplifies the risks of conflict more than nuclear weapons – the most indiscriminately and catastrophically destructive weapons ever invented.”
Nuclear disarmament has been a priority of the WCC since its establishment in 1948. “They must be eliminated, as soon as possible, to remove an existential threat not only to human beings but to the whole living creation,” said Prove.
He also outlined other messages from the WCC 11th Assembly, and concluded by saying: “Actions for peace and for a safer world that you may take in your own contexts, if based securely on these faith principles, will be sound and – I believe – blessed by God.”
Read the address by Peter Prove at “Churches Together South Australia”