International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

“In each of our faith communities, we believe we are called to pursue peace and to love and care for all humanity and all creation. Collectively, our faith leads us to reject weapons designed to cause mass death and destruction and instill terror and fear. It is this faith that compels us to act for the eradication of weapons of mass destruction.”

Australian Faith Leaders’ Letter to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, August 2020.

The elimination of nuclear weapons is one of the oldest goals of the United Nations, yet the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has not yet been ratified by enough countries to enter into force. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons helps to keep a focus on this goal.

Australia has not ratified the treaty while the Holy See was one of the first nation states to sign and ratify the treaty. You can find the list of ratifications here.

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, has signed an open letter by faith leaders in Australia urging the Australian Government to sign and ratify the treaty.

Action

• Read the full letter from Australian faith leaders here.
• Distribute this prayer for nuclear disarmament in your parish, school, organisation and use it in your private prayer. Printed copies can be ordered here.
• Write to your local Member of Parliament asking them to support the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.