On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, churches and communities across the world deepened their calls for peace and for a nuclear weapons-free world.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, commonly called the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Domu, in Hiroshima, Japan, is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
An estimated 150,000 to 250,000 people died in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Many of the deaths were instantaneous, while others died years later due to the radiation.
Even before the bombings, Americans suffered the consequences of the fallout from the first nuclear test (code named “Trinity”) on 16 July 1945, in New Mexico. Because the test was clouded in secrecy, no warnings were made to the local community. Radiation levels in some of the counties downwind from the test reached 10,000 times current acceptable limits. Nuclear fallout spread much farther, across thousands of miles.
Catholic bishops joined in a pilgrimage of peace to Japan coordinated by the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons.
Throughout a five-day visit, the clergy, along with a delegation of pilgrims, celebrated Mass, participated in dialogue on Catholic ethics and nuclear weapons, and visit historical sites and museums. The delegation included staff and students from several U.S. universities.
The pilgrimage began by bringing together Catholic bishops from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. alongside “hibakusha,” or atomic bomb survivors, for a panel discussion at the World Peace Memorial Cathedral in Hiroshima on 5 August. On 10 August, the pilgrimage will conclude with an ecumenical dialogue and academic symposium at Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki.
The pilgrimage — a joint effort between Japanese and U.S. bishops as well as various Catholic universities — centers on the theme of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
“We are pilgrims of peace and hope, crossing continents and histories to remember the past and transform the future,” Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico (US). “This journey to Hiroshima and Nagasaki is not only a remembrance but a recommitment to the Gospel call for nonviolence and the abolition of nuclear weapons.”
An ecumenical event, organized by Justice and Peace Scotland, was held outside the south gate of HM Naval Base Clyde, UK, on 2 August against the continued presence of warheads described as an “affront to humanity.”
Known as Faslane and located on the Gare Loch near Helensburgh, the facility is home to the Royal Navy’s four Vanguard-class submarines – HMS Vanguard, Vengeance, Victorious, and Vigilant – which each carry Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles.
Described as Britain’s nuclear deterrent and ultimate defence, they can be fired at targets up to 4,000 miles away.
Rt. Rev. Rosie Frew, moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, attended the vigil and said the Church of Scotland stands in solidarity with all those who work at Faslane in the service of the United Kingdom, while praying for peace in a world where there is no threat of nuclear weapons ever being used.
The Church of Scotland General Assembly in May 2025 reaffirmed the consistent position of the Church of Scotland in condemning the existence and threat of nuclear weapons. “Our world is a very broken place at the moment, so much needless death and destruction,” said Frew. “My hope and prayer is to live in a world without war or the threat of war, a world without the threat of the deployment of nuclear weapons.”
The Church of the Brethren is encouraging congregations and individuals to take action to remember the devastation of the nuclear bombings and advocate for eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons and the reallocation of resources.
Church of the Brethren members also support the continuing work of Brethren Volunteer Service volunteers at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima.
Vigil for Peace
From 6-9 August, a 75-hour Vigil for Peace will unite people around the world in prayer and remembrance of all victims of current conflicts. Two symbolic locations — the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary in New York and the Chapel of Our Lady of Nagasaki (Hibaku no Maria) in the Urakami Basilica will be open to all for prayer and hospitality.
In both chapels, the vigil will take place continuously from 8 am on 6 August until 8 am on 9 August, local time, creating a spiritual bridge of communion and solidarity. Friends, families, groups, and communities are invited to join this global moment of intercession for peace. The vigil will also be available via livestream.
The vigil is organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio and the Archdiocese of Nagasaki, in collaboration with the Focolare, parishioners, volunteers, and other organizations.
Source: oikoumene.org
