By Marian Pallister, Pax Christi Scotland chair
It was good to be joined by so many of you at the vigil on Saturday at Faslane. The reflections by Archbishop William Nolan, Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Rev David Coleman, chaplain of EcoCongregation Scotland were very moving, and as the vigil came to an end, Brian Quail, veteran peace activist, Pax Christi Scotland member and delegate with Glasgow Catholic Worker began ‘We shall overcome…’, which certainly brought tears to my eyes.
We remember this week that 80 years ago, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were devastated by the first atomic bombs. Today’s nuclear weapons are 300 times more powerful. President Trump announced that he would send two nuclear submarines off the coast of Russia. 80 years on, some nations seem not to have learned any lessons. We live in dangerous times.
Our voices are therefore evening more important. The media coverage of the August 2 event (see the links below) shows that we can be heard. Some of us will be taking part in the anti-nuclear demonstration at the peace garden in the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow on Wednesday. Others will join Scottish CND on Saturday August 9 at the North Gate of Faslane.
There are events worldwide commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic attacks. But let’s remember that this is also the 80th anniversary of the founding of Pax Christi, and that from very small beginnings in France it is now an international organisation recognised by Pope Leo and listened to by the UN. Our voices do matter.
So again – thank you all for whatever support you are able to give. Thank you for speaking out against the many peace issues of our troubled times. Thank you to Justice and Peace Scotland for organising the successful vigil.
Let’s continue to act in this Year of Hope; to work for a nonviolent world.