Statement on the Dropping of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Eighty years ago this week, on August 6 and 9, 1945, the world witnessed for the first time the horrific effects of nuclear weapons being used. We have never been the same. Since that time, the United States and other nations in the world have continued to stockpile nuclear weapons despite knowing that just one is enough to decimate the world. The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids call on the leaders of nations to please, Please, PLEASE make choices for peace and for life! Weapons of mass destruction are not deterrents to war and violence. No more threats to use them! No more efforts to “improve” them! It is time to abolish all nuclear weapons!
Today, August 6, we as a church celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, the moment in Jesus’ life when he was revealed in all his glory to his disciples Peter, James, and John on Mt. Tabor. The dazzling light that emanated from him is the only true light that we should desire to see lighting up the skies. It is his love poured out upon us and for us that transfigures us and our world.
The promise of peace that only Jesus can give cascades upon our world in and through each one of us in the power of his Spirit as we make choices for life, for hope, for peace for all people. We are called to do the hard work of acting for and practicing peace. It begins in profound ways in our own relationships – seeking reconciliation with those who have hurt us; having civilized conversations with those who think, believe, or look differently from us; begging for forgiveness from those whom we have offended. Such efforts are a witness to the hope of a world that can live in existence with one another, reflected in the call of scripture found in Isaiah 2:4 and 11:6 where weapons are turned into plowshares and lions and lambs can live together.
In this hope, “We call upon the United States government to lead the way for the global abolition of nuclear and all weapons of mass destruction by adopting a plan to lock down, dismantle, reduce and eliminate nuclear and all weapons of mass destruction. We believe all creation, including Earth itself, to be sacred and we stand in witness to the triumph of life over death, love over hatred, and hope over fear” (2007 Corporate Stance).
