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| US, Japanese bishops pledge to stop nuclear weapons |
August 9th marked the 78th anniversary of the tragic atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II. This solemn occasion saw a remarkable collaboration between Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and three Japanese bishops: Archbishop Peter Michiaki Nakamura of Nagasaki, Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima, and retired Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami of Nagasaki. Together, they made a resolute commitment to actively strive for a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
In a joint statement, the bishops echoed the teachings of Pope Francis and denounced the possession of nuclear weapons as morally indefensible. This declaration, issued on August 9, emphasizes their collective dedication to tangible efforts in the pursuit of a world without these destructive arms. With the shadows of the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings casting a long-lasting impact on their regions, the bishops have set an ambitious goal to achieve significant progress by August 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of those fateful events.
In their pursuit of a nuclear-free world, the bishops have called upon global leaders to take specific measures to abolish nuclear weapons. Their partnership is not limited to words; they have laid out comprehensive actions to be undertaken within their own archdioceses and dioceses. Moreover, their commitment extends beyond their faith, as they intend to collaborate with other dioceses and faith traditions to establish an interfaith coalition dedicated to peace.
Recognizing the complexity of their mission, the bishops acknowledge that the path to peace cannot be traversed alone. The solemn announcement of their endeavor took place after a Pilgrimage of Peace from August 1st to 9th, which saw Archbishops Etienne and Wester actively engage with communities in Japan. They participated in memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and also visited significant historic and Catholic sites that bear witness to the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.
It's important to remember the harrowing history that led to this joint commitment. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, were unparalleled tragedies in human history. The bombings marked the first and only deployment of atomic weapons during warfare, resulting in tens of thousands of immediate deaths and long-term suffering due to radiation exposure.
The personal connection of Archbishops Etienne and Wester to nuclear weapons is a driving force behind their dedication. The Seattle Archdiocese resides in proximity to a major U.S. nuclear arsenal in western Washington. Similarly, the Santa Fe Archdiocese is situated in a state regarded as the birthplace of the nuclear bomb. During the pilgrimage, Archbishop Wester expressed the sorrow that the very bombs dropped on Japan were developed and constructed within his own archdiocese.
In their declaration, the U.S. and Japanese bishops have called on world leaders to take the following steps toward the abolition of nuclear weapons:
1. Acknowledge the profound and enduring suffering endured by the atomic bombing survivors (hibakusha) of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
2. Recognize the extensive human suffering and environmental damage caused by uranium mining, nuclear weapons research, production, and testing worldwide.
3. Reiterate the impossibility of winning a nuclear war and emphasize that the use and threat of using nuclear weapons are unacceptable, as established by the G20 in November 2022.
4. Announce and commit to practical measures to prevent new arms races, safeguard against nuclear weapons use, and advance nuclear disarmament.
The bishops' dedication to the abolition of nuclear weapons echoes the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis during his message in Hiroshima on November 24, 2019. Their joint effort, rooted in remembrance, unity, and protection, aims to establish a lasting legacy of peace for generations to come.
Within their own archdioceses and dioceses, the bishops have outlined specific actions to further their cause:
1. Remember: Engage in ongoing dialogue with various stakeholders, including atomic bombing survivors, peace activists, nuclear engineers, military personnel, and diplomats. Foster opportunities for education about the threat and devastation of nuclear weapons.
2. Walk Together: Seek divine assistance through individual and communal prayers. Conduct at least one annual Mass with a special focus on a world free from nuclear weapons. Whenever feasible, organize collections to support nuclear victims and environmental restoration.
3. Protect: Advocate for the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Encourage world leaders to redirect resources from nuclear weapons development towards aiding vulnerable populations and addressing environmental concerns.
The bishops concluded their declaration by invoking Christ, the Prince of Peace, and requesting the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, to bless their collaborative efforts.
This significant partnership between U.S. and Japanese bishops underscores the urgency of addressing the global issue of nuclear weapons. By uniting their voices and actions, they offer hope for a safer and more peaceful world, where the horrors of nuclear devastation can finally become relics of the past.
