Action toward Nuclear Weapons Abolition
Adopted 16 April 2013
Whereas, Pursuit of Peace (Shalom), Sacredness of Creation, and Responsible Choices are three of the identified Enduring Principles, and Pursue Peace on Earth and Abolish Poverty, End Suffering are two of the identified Mission Initiatives of the church; and
Whereas, Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b urges, “Above all else, strive to be faithful to God’s vision of the peaceable kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue Peace”; and
Whereas, The potential for mass destruction of humanity and poisoning of air, water, land, and Earth’s living creatures make the existence of nuclear weapons a moral as well as political concern; and
Whereas, Many within the international community, including security and defense experts, politicians, diplomats, and members of the military want a decrease in nuclear weapons, yet the access of such weapons continues to spread, increasing the danger of their use by accident or design; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That Community of Christ affirms nuclear weapons pose a grave threat to the Earth and existence of life; and be it further
Resolved, That Community of Christ join the global voices seeking to halt nuclear weapons production, support prudent action to minimize the threat or use of nuclear weapons, and urge renewed efforts toward eradication; and be it further
Resolved, That wherever practical, Community of Christ convey its support for the responsible reduction and eventual eradication of nuclear weapons, urging policy to that end by all nations; and be it further
Resolved, That the Peace and Justice and Earth Stewardship teams be empowered and supported in
- sharing resources for education and dialogue that advance awareness of toxicity to the Earth, encouraging and supporting membership action on non- proliferation and elimination of nuclear weapons;
- encouraging justice, peace, and reconciliation training, and activities that educate concerning the complexities of nuclear disarmament and international strategic deterrence issues;
- networking across the church, including access to the church’s website, periodicals, and social media; and
- connecting and encouraging the many individuals of Community of Christ and its affiliates such as Peace Pathways, as well as advocates throughout the world committed to a peaceful, safe, and secure, nuclear weapons-free world; and be it further
Resolved, That progress toward these aims together with recommendations for further initiatives be reported to the 2016 World Conference.