Standing in solidarity with asylum seekers detained at Dungavel – because Justice & Peace Scotland will never turn its back on the stranger
Overview
This campaign combines memorial, education, and advocacy. We remember the devastating impact of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while actively working for nuclear disarmament today. As a Scottish parish, we pay particular attention to the Trident nuclear weapons system based at Faslane on the Clyde – literally in our backyard.
More than £300 billion globally has been spent on nuclear weapons over the past five years alone. Leading voices, including Archbishop William Nolan, have described this as “shameful” – highlighting how the world’s treasures could instead be deployed for the betterment of people and the planet.
The 80th Anniversary:
Never Forget (Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945)
The Immediate Devastation: August 6th and 9th, 1945
- Over 210,000 deaths estimated by the end of 1945.
- Entire cities obliterated in seconds, with tens of thousands vaporized instantly.
- Burns and radiation poisoning immediately affected survivors.
- Medical facilities were completely unable to cope with casualties.
The Long-Term Impact:
- Radiation-related illnesses continued for decades, causing dramatically elevated cancer rates.
- Genetic effects were passed to subsequent generations.
- Survivors (known as hibakusha) faced psychological trauma and social stigma.
- Environmental contamination lasted for years.
The Survivors Speak
The hibakusha have dedicated their lives to ensuring this never happens again. Their crucial message is: “No one else should ever suffer as we have.”
They continue to call for nuclear abolition and warn of the humanitarian catastrophe nuclear war would bring.
Why This Anniversary Matters
80 Years: A Time to Remember and Act
2025 marks eight decades since these attacks. As the generation of survivors ages, their voices become even more precious. We must:
- Honor those who died and listen to those who survived.
- Learn the lessons of history and act to prevent future use.
- Advocate for complete nuclear disarmament.
The Danger Has Not Passed
Today’s nuclear weapons are:
- Thousands of times more powerful than those used in 1945.
- More numerous – over 13,000 warheads exist globally.
- On hair-trigger alert – capable of launch within minutes.
A nuclear war today would be apocalyptic – threatening human civilization itself.
Faslane: Nuclear Weapons on the Clyde
The UK’s Nuclear Arsenal
The United Kingdom maintains its nuclear weapons system on the River Clyde in Scotland at HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane. This base is:
- Home to the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons system.
- Home to four Vanguard-class submarines.
- Each submarine can carry up to 40 nuclear warheads, each many times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.
Why Scotland Matters
The majority of Scottish people oppose nuclear weapons, yet they’re imposed on Scotland by Westminster. This creates a democratic deficit and makes Scotland a nuclear target.
The system costs billions of pounds annually, diverting resources from human needs.
Catholic Teaching on Nuclear Weapons
Pope Francis: A Prophetic Voice
The Church’s teaching has evolved, moving towards a complete rejection of nuclear arms.
Possession is Immoral
In Nagasaki (2019), Pope Francis declared: “The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of atomic weapons is immoral.”
This grounding principle challenges deterrence theory and demands action: Catholics must work for disarmament.
Scriptural Foundation:
- “They shall beat their swords into plowshares…” (Isaiah 2:4)
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
A Historic Achievement
Adopted by the United Nations in 2017 and entering into force in January 2021, the TPNW:
- Prohibits the development, testing, production, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons.
- Has been signed by 93 nations and ratified by 70+.
The UK’s Refusal
The United Kingdom has refused to sign and plans to increase warhead numbers. As Catholics and UK citizens, we call on the British government to:
- Sign and ratify the TPNW.
- Close Faslane nuclear base.
- Redirect resources to human and environmental needs.
How You Can Take Action
Practical Actions
Attend Peace Gatherings
Join regular gatherings at the South Gate of Faslane to bear witness and pray for disarmament.
Educate Yourself & Others
Read survivor testimonies and share the Church's teaching against possession.
Advocate for Policy Change
Contact your MP (Westminster) and MSP (Holyrood) to call for TPNW ratification and disarmament.
Pray for Nuclear Disarmament
Include this intention in your daily prayers and parish Masses.
Suggested Prayer:
God of peace, we pray for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Transform hearts hardened by fear into hearts open to trust. Give wisdom to world leaders to choose disarmament over arms races. Guide us to build security through justice, not through weapons of mass destruction. We ask this through Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Addressing Common Arguments
Suggested Prayer:
Deterrence is inherently unstable and morally problematic. It relies on the willingness to commit mass murder and risks accidental war. True security comes from justice and cooperation.
A just transition is possible. Resources currently spent on nuclear weapons could fund secure, well-paid employment in renewable energy, healthcare expansion, and other infrastructure projects.
The same was said about slavery and apartheid. Change is possible when people of conscience demand it. The TPNW shows momentum is building, and our faith calls us to work for the seemingly impossible.
Key Resources & Organisations
Official Documents & Education
📚 Papal Statements: Read Pope Francis’s declaration on the immorality of possessing nuclear weapons.
📚 Hibakusha Testimonies: Survivor stories from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
📄 Letter Templates: For contacting your MPs and MSPs.
External Campaign Partners
🕊️ Justice & Peace Scotland – Organises Faslane gatherings and advocacy.
🕊️ Pax Christi UK – International Catholic peace movement.
🕊️ International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) – Coordinates the TPNW.
Get Involved: Join the Peace Movement
This campaign is a central focus of our Justice & Peace work. All parishioners are welcome to attend, learn more, and contribute to our collective response.
Next Meeting:
📅 Date: 25th November 2025
🕖 Time: 7.30pm
📍 Location: Saint Joseph’s Small Meeting Room, Clarkston
Meeting Agenda Items:
- Campaign updates on TPNW progress and UK policy
- Letter writing workshop for MP/MSP advocacy
- Planning for Faslane solidarity and memorial events
All are welcome – whether you’re deeply involved in justice and peace work or just beginning to learn about these issues.
Other Causes & Campaigns
Last Updated: December 2025
Saint Joseph’s Parish Justice and Peace Campaign
Working in partnership with Justice & Peace Scotland
