CSJP Statement on Nuclear Weapons 2020
We, the Congregation of St. Joseph of Peace, an international Congregation, declare our unconditional resistance to the financing, production, possession, deployment, and use of nuclear weapons. In solidarity with all peacemakers we recommit ourselves, our resources, and our prayers to creating a world built on justice from which true peace can flourish.
RATIONALE
We seek to stand in solidarity with the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and with the people of Japan.
We recognize that the very existence of these weapons poses an unnecessary risk to all life on Earth, our common home.
We concur with Pope Francis that the possession of these weapons for the purpose of deterrence is no longer morally justified.
We regard spending on nuclear weapons production and upgrading existing weapons remains a threat to human life and dignity and an on-going theft from those who are poor.
We believe that the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017) should be ratified by all nations of the world in an effort to eliminate this threat.
ACTION STEPS
We encourage work for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and commit to:
promote the ratification of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
lobby our Members of Parliament and the U.S. Congress to remove the funding for the purchase, production and deployment of nuclear weapons as we seek a moral budget.
continue our divestment from weapons manufacturers except where we are taking specific shareholder actions. We continue to monitor our investments to assure divestment from companies that might fund weapons manufacturers.
support those who participate in active non-violent resistance to nuclear weapons.
July 2020