To: Bishops David Zubik and Mark Eckman of Pittsburgh;
Edward Malesic of Cleveland;
Lawrence Persico of Erie;
David Bonnar of Youngstown;
Larry Kulick of Greensburg.
The Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which entered into force in January, 2021 challenges the US Catholic Church to update its position regarding these weapons.
On January 6, 2022 Bishop Malloy spoke for the US bishops in a statement which “welcomed a pledge by five nuclear powers to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and new arms races.”
Something “more” happened on January 11, 2022 when Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe published his well-documented pastoral letter, “Living the Light of Christ’s Peace,” calling for the abolition of “nukes". https://archdiosf.org/living-in-the-light-of-christs-peace
Archbishop Wester echoed the risk taken by Amarillo’s Bp. Leroy Matthiesen when in 1981 he counseled Catholics working at the local nuke-producing Pentax Plant to leave their jobs. Archbishop Wester also echoed the risk taken by Seattle’s Archbp. Raymond Hunthausen in 1985 when he referred to the local Trident nuclear sub base as “The Auschwitz of Puget Sound”. Wester NOW risks alienating the many Catholics working at the nuclear labs and staffing the largest deposit of nuclear warheads located within his Archdiocese.
Acknowledging such pastoral courage, WE URGE YOU to 1) Publicly congratulate and thank the Archbishop for his pastoral letter and 2) Recommend ARCHBISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER to the baptized and others of conscience in your respective dioceses, for its study and implementation. One way to ACT is to petition PNC Bank to divest any financial instruments it has that enable the production and maintenance of nuclear weapons www.abetterpncbnk.org
Diocese of Cleveland: Fr Bob Begin, Fr. Charlie Diedrick, Fr. Dan Divis, Sheila Marie, OSU, Fr Ronald Bryda
Diocese of Erie: Anne McCarthy, OSB, and Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB; Fr. James Gutting, and OSB Oblate Neil Himber
Diocese of Greensburg: Fr. Bernard Survil, Thomas Severin
Diocese of Pittsburgh: Joyce Rothermel, Fr. Samuel Esposito, Fr. Jack Brennan, Fr. Peter Horton, Fr. Carmen D’Amico and Fr Regis J. Ryan
Diocese of Youngstown: Fr. Bernard Bonnot, Joseph Torma, Ret. Theology Prof. Fr. Thomas McCarthy
Edward Malesic of Cleveland;
Lawrence Persico of Erie;
David Bonnar of Youngstown;
Larry Kulick of Greensburg.
The Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which entered into force in January, 2021 challenges the US Catholic Church to update its position regarding these weapons.
On January 6, 2022 Bishop Malloy spoke for the US bishops in a statement which “welcomed a pledge by five nuclear powers to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and new arms races.”
Something “more” happened on January 11, 2022 when Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe published his well-documented pastoral letter, “Living the Light of Christ’s Peace,” calling for the abolition of “nukes". https://archdiosf.org/living-in-the-light-of-christs-peace
Archbishop Wester echoed the risk taken by Amarillo’s Bp. Leroy Matthiesen when in 1981 he counseled Catholics working at the local nuke-producing Pentax Plant to leave their jobs. Archbishop Wester also echoed the risk taken by Seattle’s Archbp. Raymond Hunthausen in 1985 when he referred to the local Trident nuclear sub base as “The Auschwitz of Puget Sound”. Wester NOW risks alienating the many Catholics working at the nuclear labs and staffing the largest deposit of nuclear warheads located within his Archdiocese.
Acknowledging such pastoral courage, WE URGE YOU to 1) Publicly congratulate and thank the Archbishop for his pastoral letter and 2) Recommend ARCHBISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER to the baptized and others of conscience in your respective dioceses, for its study and implementation. One way to ACT is to petition PNC Bank to divest any financial instruments it has that enable the production and maintenance of nuclear weapons www.abetterpncbnk.org
Diocese of Cleveland: Fr Bob Begin, Fr. Charlie Diedrick, Fr. Dan Divis, Sheila Marie, OSU, Fr Ronald Bryda
Diocese of Erie: Anne McCarthy, OSB, and Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB; Fr. James Gutting, and OSB Oblate Neil Himber
Diocese of Greensburg: Fr. Bernard Survil, Thomas Severin
Diocese of Pittsburgh: Joyce Rothermel, Fr. Samuel Esposito, Fr. Jack Brennan, Fr. Peter Horton, Fr. Carmen D’Amico and Fr Regis J. Ryan
Diocese of Youngstown: Fr. Bernard Bonnot, Joseph Torma, Ret. Theology Prof. Fr. Thomas McCarthy
To add your signature to this petition
Fr. Bernard Survil Diocese of Greensburg, Jeannette, PA
Good deeds call for applause. Archbp. Wester truly is speaking for us and humanity when he recently updates what Popes from St. John XXIII to Francis have been saying: Nuclear Weapons must be abolished. The over $1Trillion the USA alone plans to spend over the next ten years “modernizing” nuclear weapons is better used for all those many proposals of Build Back Better which was defeated supposedly as “too expensive.” Nukes are not security because Accidents Do Happen. Nuking one’s neighbor is not loving one’s Neighbor. Intent to sin (nuking) is equivalent to sinning ( Mt 5:28 ). Wester is the bishop-adviser for The Association of US Catholic Priests (AUSCP) of which I am a proud member. www.auscp.org Go for it, Bishop Kulick of Greensburg Diocese. Please thank Archbp. Wester.
Good deeds call for applause. Archbp. Wester truly is speaking for us and humanity when he recently updates what Popes from St. John XXIII to Francis have been saying: Nuclear Weapons must be abolished. The over $1Trillion the USA alone plans to spend over the next ten years “modernizing” nuclear weapons is better used for all those many proposals of Build Back Better which was defeated supposedly as “too expensive.” Nukes are not security because Accidents Do Happen. Nuking one’s neighbor is not loving one’s Neighbor. Intent to sin (nuking) is equivalent to sinning ( Mt 5:28 ). Wester is the bishop-adviser for The Association of US Catholic Priests (AUSCP) of which I am a proud member. www.auscp.org Go for it, Bishop Kulick of Greensburg Diocese. Please thank Archbp. Wester.
Sr. Beverly Anne LoGrasso Ursuline Sisters Cleveland, Pepper Pike, OH
Thank you for raising a prophetic voice in leadership regarding how one might live the Gospel today, in this time, in this culture.
Thank you for raising a prophetic voice in leadership regarding how one might live the Gospel today, in this time, in this culture.
Neil Himber Oblate, Mt. Saint Benedict Monastery, Erie, PA
I have been praying for nuclear disarmament since the 1982 Bishops Peace Pastoral. I met Sr. Megan Rice and Michael Walli after reading "ALMIGHTY: COURAGE, RESISTANCE, AND EXISTENTIAL PERIL IN THE NUCLEAR AGE" By Dan Zak. Pope Francis has spoken against nukes recently. It is imperative that we speak about this terrible danger. It is up to us. We are responsible.
I have been praying for nuclear disarmament since the 1982 Bishops Peace Pastoral. I met Sr. Megan Rice and Michael Walli after reading "ALMIGHTY: COURAGE, RESISTANCE, AND EXISTENTIAL PERIL IN THE NUCLEAR AGE" By Dan Zak. Pope Francis has spoken against nukes recently. It is imperative that we speak about this terrible danger. It is up to us. We are responsible.
Fr. Bob Wenz retired priest, Strongsville, OH
The Catholic hierarchy has done a good job of making it known that we believe abortion is a respect life issue. However when it comes to the other respect life issues like poverty, bigotry, white supremacy, homelessness... the lives affected by all of these issues are "equally sacred". AND the possible annihilation of millions of lives through the possession of, threat of nuclear weapons is the ultimate destruction of human life. There is no such thing as a "just war" anymore. PLEASE be the PROPHETS YOU ARE BAPTIZED TO BE!
The Catholic hierarchy has done a good job of making it known that we believe abortion is a respect life issue. However when it comes to the other respect life issues like poverty, bigotry, white supremacy, homelessness... the lives affected by all of these issues are "equally sacred". AND the possible annihilation of millions of lives through the possession of, threat of nuclear weapons is the ultimate destruction of human life. There is no such thing as a "just war" anymore. PLEASE be the PROPHETS YOU ARE BAPTIZED TO BE!
Vincent Stegman Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Bethel Park, PA
The issue of nuclear weapons is a grave danger to our human, not only national security and is a real religious obligation to anyone who considers himself/herself a Christian.
The issue of nuclear weapons is a grave danger to our human, not only national security and is a real religious obligation to anyone who considers himself/herself a Christian.
Joyce Rothermel St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
What a wonderful invitation of one important way to live in the the Light of Christ! Thank you, Archbishop Wester!
Please share this important invitation with all the people of your diocese, dear Bishops.
What a wonderful invitation of one important way to live in the the Light of Christ! Thank you, Archbishop Wester!
Please share this important invitation with all the people of your diocese, dear Bishops.
Ed Cloonan St. Thomas the Apostle, Munhall, PA
Pope Francis speaks with holy eloquence to peace and fraternity in the world. We in our local church can do no less.
Pope Francis speaks with holy eloquence to peace and fraternity in the world. We in our local church can do no less.
Rev. Paul Dordal Christian Alliance for Peace, Pittsburgh, PA
It is time for the world to rid itself of these weapons of mass extinction. We don't have much time before a nuclear mistake, or worse, a nuclear exchange. The time is now for the United States to take the lead and unilaterally begin the dismantling of its nuclear arsenal. As Pope Benedict has said, we have a right to live in peace, and nuclear weapons are the greatest threat to humanity. Bishop Wester pastoral letter does speak for all humankind.
It is time for the world to rid itself of these weapons of mass extinction. We don't have much time before a nuclear mistake, or worse, a nuclear exchange. The time is now for the United States to take the lead and unilaterally begin the dismantling of its nuclear arsenal. As Pope Benedict has said, we have a right to live in peace, and nuclear weapons are the greatest threat to humanity. Bishop Wester pastoral letter does speak for all humankind.
Diane Werley Holy Family Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
Sylvia Francis St. Mary Magdalene, Pittsburgh, PA
Corrine Giel Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Pittsburgh, PA
William Talentino Capuchin Franciscans, Pittsburgh, PA
So grateful to Archbishop Wester for his courage on behalf of the Gospel. It is past time!
So grateful to Archbishop Wester for his courage on behalf of the Gospel. It is past time!
Suzanne Polen St. Mary Magdalene, Pittsburgh, PA
Richard Signore Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
The church’s position has moved from support of nuclear deterrence to the “moral imperative of abolition.” This needs to be fervently communicated to all Catholic faithful.
The church’s position has moved from support of nuclear deterrence to the “moral imperative of abolition.” This needs to be fervently communicated to all Catholic faithful.
Theresa Padovano Voice of the Faithful New Jersey, Morris Plains, NJ
It is insanity to think you can make peace by preparing for a devastating war. These very dangerous weapons are more a threat to our national safety and health—-depriving our citizens of the funds for education and health care.
It is insanity to think you can make peace by preparing for a devastating war. These very dangerous weapons are more a threat to our national safety and health—-depriving our citizens of the funds for education and health care.
Anna Marie Neutrelle St. Fidelis, Butler, PA
Bob Bonner RN-ret., Pittsburgh, PA
Donna Brett St. John Neumann, Pittsburgh, PA
Jo Schlesinger Remembering Hiroshima, Imagining Peace, Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. Ronald Bryda Retired - Diocese of Cleveland, Westlake, OH
Affirming Archbishop Wester's pastoral initiative calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is to be thanked; his message taken seriously; his example followed by all leaders in the Church. An anemic endorsement of the bishop's letter, and worse still, an apathetic silence by his fellow, "pro-life bishops" is a scandal. Beyond moralizing, there is, also, an urgent need for practical measures to accomplish the abolition.
Affirming Archbishop Wester's pastoral initiative calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. He is to be thanked; his message taken seriously; his example followed by all leaders in the Church. An anemic endorsement of the bishop's letter, and worse still, an apathetic silence by his fellow, "pro-life bishops" is a scandal. Beyond moralizing, there is, also, an urgent need for practical measures to accomplish the abolition.
Mary Blooming Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Natrona Heights, PA
Can the United States form a new agreement with the leading nations of the world to stop the production of more nuclear weapons?
Can the United States form a new agreement with the leading nations of the world to stop the production of more nuclear weapons?
Dan Perillo DSA, Denver, CO
Sister Bonnie Heh Sisters of Mercy, Pittsburgh, PA
Sr. Sally Witt Sisters of St. Joseph, Ambridge, PA
Mimi Darragh Pittsburgh Area Pax Christi, Bridgeville, PA
In a time of the threat of war and division in our country, the threat of nuclear war can get lost. These weapons are immoral and need to be abolished.
In a time of the threat of war and division in our country, the threat of nuclear war can get lost. These weapons are immoral and need to be abolished.
Irene Surmik Stop Banking the Bomb, Pittsburgh, PA
Please ask yourself - how can I be against abortion but not be against nuclear weapons?
Please ask yourself - how can I be against abortion but not be against nuclear weapons?
Colleen Donovan Saint Thomas More University Parish, Indiana, PA
Sr. Barbara Finch Sisters of St. Joseph, Pittsburgh, PA
We are risking annihilation if we do not eliminate nuclear weapons.
We are risking annihilation if we do not eliminate nuclear weapons.
Kathy Grabowski Sunday's Bread, Wikins Township, PA
Kathleen Barone Sunday's Bread, Pittsburgh, PA
Sr. Beverly Anne LoGrasso Ursuline Sisters, Pepper Pike, OH
This effort echoes the Gospel, St. Francis of Assisi, Pacem in Terris and every Pope since St. John XXIII in calling for an end to nuclear arms production and use.
This effort echoes the Gospel, St. Francis of Assisi, Pacem in Terris and every Pope since St. John XXIII in calling for an end to nuclear arms production and use.
Mary Ann Kaper Sunday's Bread, Wexford, PA
Mark Scibilia-Carver Mary Mother of Mercy, Trumansburg, NY
We can only follow Jesus past Gethsemane if we disciples disarm (unilaterally) and refuse to kill. Abp. Wester concludes, (in agreement with Ben Salmon 100 years ago) "There are no exceptions, no justifications for warfare, and no 'just war theory' " and "We are not allowed to kill people". Straight from the Gospel. Time to end the Era of Constantine!
We can only follow Jesus past Gethsemane if we disciples disarm (unilaterally) and refuse to kill. Abp. Wester concludes, (in agreement with Ben Salmon 100 years ago) "There are no exceptions, no justifications for warfare, and no 'just war theory' " and "We are not allowed to kill people". Straight from the Gospel. Time to end the Era of Constantine!
Barb McCarthy Saint Ferdinand, Cranberry Twp., PA
John Heagle Association of US Catholic Priests (AUSCP), Salem, OR
Archbishop Wester's Pastoral Letter is a historic, heroic, and prophetic confrontation with the dominant militaristic culture of the U.S. My hope--and commitment--is to help this vision and its call to action begin to transform our Church and our society.
Archbishop Wester's Pastoral Letter is a historic, heroic, and prophetic confrontation with the dominant militaristic culture of the U.S. My hope--and commitment--is to help this vision and its call to action begin to transform our Church and our society.
Sr. Kari Pohl Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, PA, Aliquippa, PA
James Ruck St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Association of Pittsburgh Priests (APP), Pittsburgh, PA
Can any issue be of more importance today, with nuclear weapons threatening all life on Earth? Even today with the sabre rattling in the Ukraine, a conflict gone sour could lead to a nuclear exchange. In addition the public money needed to maintain and upgrade these weapons reinforces their "importance" in the public mind and diverts funds from the promotion of life for all. As a pro-life, Catholic Community our parishioners must hear some questioning of these "gods of metal" in which we put our trust. Pope Francis and his predecessors call us to do just that. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
With every passing day the urgency of nuclear disarmament becomes more urgent. Both Donald Trump against North Korea and Vladimir Putin in the Ukraine crisis threatened the use of nuclear weapons.
Can any issue be of more importance today, with nuclear weapons threatening all life on Earth? Even today with the sabre rattling in the Ukraine, a conflict gone sour could lead to a nuclear exchange. In addition the public money needed to maintain and upgrade these weapons reinforces their "importance" in the public mind and diverts funds from the promotion of life for all. As a pro-life, Catholic Community our parishioners must hear some questioning of these "gods of metal" in which we put our trust. Pope Francis and his predecessors call us to do just that. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
With every passing day the urgency of nuclear disarmament becomes more urgent. Both Donald Trump against North Korea and Vladimir Putin in the Ukraine crisis threatened the use of nuclear weapons.
Molly Rush APP, Pittsburgh, PA
It is very clear to me that the past and current Church position sadly does not reflect the clear teaching of Jesus and does not reflect an understanding of the reality of the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons. I urge you to support the United Nations Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons. In Peace, Molly Rush
It is very clear to me that the past and current Church position sadly does not reflect the clear teaching of Jesus and does not reflect an understanding of the reality of the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons. I urge you to support the United Nations Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons. In Peace, Molly Rush
Father James Gutting Bradford, PA
Thank you for your courageous witness, Archbishop Wester. Just think of the many Pro-life causes - life "from conception to natural death" that could benefit from the millions of dollars spent on nuclear weapons that we say will never be used. Pray to God they are never used!!!
Thank you for your courageous witness, Archbishop Wester. Just think of the many Pro-life causes - life "from conception to natural death" that could benefit from the millions of dollars spent on nuclear weapons that we say will never be used. Pray to God they are never used!!!
Jeanine Sismour St. Jude Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
There can be no peace with worldwide nuclear armaments. Eradicate them beginning here!
There can be no peace with worldwide nuclear armaments. Eradicate them beginning here!
Edward Brett APP, Pittsburgh, PA
The Catholic Church should be in the forefront when it comes to issues of social justice, but too often we are reluctant to speak out, using as an excuse the false argument of "prudential judgement." But as Martin Luther King noted in his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail," most clergy remain silent when it comes to controversial social justice issues, preferring to "hide behind their stained-glass windows." Unfortunately, this has for too long been true of the U.S Catholic Church and it has to change.
The Catholic Church should be in the forefront when it comes to issues of social justice, but too often we are reluctant to speak out, using as an excuse the false argument of "prudential judgement." But as Martin Luther King noted in his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail," most clergy remain silent when it comes to controversial social justice issues, preferring to "hide behind their stained-glass windows." Unfortunately, this has for too long been true of the U.S Catholic Church and it has to change.
Joseph DiCarlo St. Jude, Pittsburgh, PA
Brigid Grandey Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA
Those of us who lived through the explosion of the atomic bomb August, 1945 would never want to see again such terrible disregard for humans.
Those of us who lived through the explosion of the atomic bomb August, 1945 would never want to see again such terrible disregard for humans.
Sister Mary Norbert Long Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA
Clyde Foster St. Vincent de Paul, Cleveland, OH
Barbara Einloth Sisters of Charity of Seton, Hill, Greensburg, PA
I congratulate Archbishop Wester. Like Jesus and other committed followers like Archbishop Hunthausen in his day, he is willing to run risks in the present to speak the challenging word. Nuclear weapons, when used, do far more than kill. They annihilate not only large numbers of individuals but also the land. They really are incompatible with our faith.
I congratulate Archbishop Wester. Like Jesus and other committed followers like Archbishop Hunthausen in his day, he is willing to run risks in the present to speak the challenging word. Nuclear weapons, when used, do far more than kill. They annihilate not only large numbers of individuals but also the land. They really are incompatible with our faith.
Sr. Mary Price Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Pittsburgh, PA
Sister Harriet Seton Newton Sisters of Charity, Pittsburgh, PA
Using nuclear weapons against human beings is an abominable and immoral action that should never be taken!
Using nuclear weapons against human beings is an abominable and immoral action that should never be taken!
Victoria Marie Gribshaw, SC Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA
After reading Archbishop Webster's Pastoral Letter, I encourage you, Bishop Kulick, to help him, as well as Pope St. John XXII through Pope Francis in saying, "NuclearWeapons must be abolished."
After reading Archbishop Webster's Pastoral Letter, I encourage you, Bishop Kulick, to help him, as well as Pope St. John XXII through Pope Francis in saying, "NuclearWeapons must be abolished."
Mary and Grace Manning St. Charles, Boardman, OH
Sr. Mary Lou Palas Sisters of Charity, Greensburg, PA
Ana Raposo Dias St. Jude, Pittsburgh, PA
Daniel F Gallagher Archangel Gabriel Parish and Pax Christi USA, Pittsburgh, PA
Helen Ortmann St. Theresa Kolkata, Pittsburgh, PA
Possessing nuclear weapons means that a country is willing to destroy the gift of life and creation.
Possessing nuclear weapons means that a country is willing to destroy the gift of life and creation.
Fr. Rich Evans Holy Family, Parma, OH
Holly Mohr Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. James L Caddy Diocese of Cleveland, Mentor, OH
Edith Strong St. Bruno Parish, Greensburg, PA
Nuclear weapons are against all efforts to respect humanity and work for peace in the world. They have no place among peace-loving people. I congratulate Archbishop Wester for his leadership against nuclear weapons and recommend his letter "living the Light of Christ's Peace" be distributed to the faithful in my diocese.
Nuclear weapons are against all efforts to respect humanity and work for peace in the world. They have no place among peace-loving people. I congratulate Archbishop Wester for his leadership against nuclear weapons and recommend his letter "living the Light of Christ's Peace" be distributed to the faithful in my diocese.
Chris Seeman Walsh University, North Canton, OH
As the Church continues to strive to live out its mission, it is important that its leaders take the lead in affirming the Church's unqualified condemnation of weapons of mass destruction (Gaudium et Spes, Article 80).
As the Church continues to strive to live out its mission, it is important that its leaders take the lead in affirming the Church's unqualified condemnation of weapons of mass destruction (Gaudium et Spes, Article 80).
Mary Ann Winters Sisters of Charity, Greensburg, PA
Thomas Severin Immaculate Conception, Connellsville, PA
As events in Ukraine unfold, we may experience the threat of nuclear war tantamount to the Cuban missle crisis. Hopefully, this will provide an incentive for all of the worlds nuclear powers to abandon further production of these weapons.
As events in Ukraine unfold, we may experience the threat of nuclear war tantamount to the Cuban missle crisis. Hopefully, this will provide an incentive for all of the worlds nuclear powers to abandon further production of these weapons.
A. Scheminger St. Mary Basilica, Olean, NY
I pray more U.S. bishops will follow The Archbishop's lead, or at least, promote it among the Faithful of their dioceses. Count on me to share knowledge of it with my family and friends.
I pray more U.S. bishops will follow The Archbishop's lead, or at least, promote it among the Faithful of their dioceses. Count on me to share knowledge of it with my family and friends.
Fr. Garrett Dorsey, STL Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
As a life-time member of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests, I join those canonicals who have endorsed this petition and invite my fellow Diocese of Pittsburgh priests, be they of my ordination generation or the more recently ordained, to recognize that Archbishop Wester's Pastoral Letter will prove to be a highly significant peacemaking moment for the U.S. Catholic Church.
As a life-time member of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests, I join those canonicals who have endorsed this petition and invite my fellow Diocese of Pittsburgh priests, be they of my ordination generation or the more recently ordained, to recognize that Archbishop Wester's Pastoral Letter will prove to be a highly significant peacemaking moment for the U.S. Catholic Church.
Bob Cushing Holy Spirit Church, Savannah Diocese, Macon, GA
This document is a teaching document deeply needed at precisely this time. For those who have not studied the issues of stopping nuclear proliferation now, it is a comprehensive update that amounts to a call to action. In the name of God, for the healing of the nations and the survival of our planet, let’s get moving!
This document is a teaching document deeply needed at precisely this time. For those who have not studied the issues of stopping nuclear proliferation now, it is a comprehensive update that amounts to a call to action. In the name of God, for the healing of the nations and the survival of our planet, let’s get moving!
Sr. Paulette Schroeder Pax Christi Tiffin coordinator, Tiffin, OH
I coordinate our local chapter of Pax Christi and we as a chapter are working on this issue of nuclear weapons. This insane presence of these weapons and the use of monies that need to go to people who need housing, food, jobs, etc.--this usage is immoral. I am a Franciscan sister, against all violence and have petitioned our local PNC where I have an account to become educated on this matter. The manager assured me she shall take it to the head person. I shall ask again.
I coordinate our local chapter of Pax Christi and we as a chapter are working on this issue of nuclear weapons. This insane presence of these weapons and the use of monies that need to go to people who need housing, food, jobs, etc.--this usage is immoral. I am a Franciscan sister, against all violence and have petitioned our local PNC where I have an account to become educated on this matter. The manager assured me she shall take it to the head person. I shall ask again.
Eli Connally Catholics for Change in Our Church (CCOC), Elefemme, Pittsburgh, PA
Catholic Social Teaching necessitates the denouncement of nuclear weapons and nuclear warfare, as it demands we denounce warfare in all forms. Civilians are necessarily harmed by the development and deployment of nuclear weapons, and those most harmed by war in all its forms are the poor and vulnerable.
Catholic Social Teaching necessitates the denouncement of nuclear weapons and nuclear warfare, as it demands we denounce warfare in all forms. Civilians are necessarily harmed by the development and deployment of nuclear weapons, and those most harmed by war in all its forms are the poor and vulnerable.
Fr. Tim Taugher Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, Binghamton, NY
We are being called at this moment to reconnect with a central teaching of the Gospel, to live the non-violent love of God. Can we meet the challenge?
We are being called at this moment to reconnect with a central teaching of the Gospel, to live the non-violent love of God. Can we meet the challenge?
Rev. Harry J. Bury St. Paul, MN
Jack Brennan Guardian Angels Parish, Springdale, PA
Sobering!
Sobering!
Fr. Bob Bonnot Assoc. of US Catholic Priests, N. Benton, OH
The Russia vs. Ukraine conflict and the atomic powder kegs that could be set off there and elsewhere, provoking atomic global war, especially among nations in such atomically weaponized regions as Europe, North America, the Middle East, south Asia, etc., it is time we as the Church in the U.S. take Archbishop Wester's pastoral letter seriously and act on it.
The Russia vs. Ukraine conflict and the atomic powder kegs that could be set off there and elsewhere, provoking atomic global war, especially among nations in such atomically weaponized regions as Europe, North America, the Middle East, south Asia, etc., it is time we as the Church in the U.S. take Archbishop Wester's pastoral letter seriously and act on it.
William Headley, CSSp Spiritan Center, Pittsburgh, PA
A paper Japanese lantern gathered during pilgrimage to Hiroshima shouts: “Nuclear abolition!” Thank you, Archbishop Wester.
A paper Japanese lantern gathered during pilgrimage to Hiroshima shouts: “Nuclear abolition!” Thank you, Archbishop Wester.
Fr. Rob Reidy Diocese of Cleveland, Parish of Mary Queen of the Apostles, Cleveland, OH
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Weare Diocese of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Tim Trout United Church of Christ in Greensburg, Jeannette, PA
Fr. Thomas Mahoney ret. priest of the Diocese of Cleveland, Lakewood, OH
The attack on Ukraine certainly highlights the frightening consequences of nuclear power and all of the injustices that would flow from their use.
The attack on Ukraine certainly highlights the frightening consequences of nuclear power and all of the injustices that would flow from their use.
Robin Krofcheck St. James Parish, Amity, PA
Denounce Nukes
Denounce Nukes
Sr. Marian Sgriccia School Sisters of St. Francis, Pittsburgh, PA
Patricia Marida Ohio Nuclear Free Network, Columbus, OH
Margaretta Nussbaumer Sisters of Divine Providence, Pittsburgh, PA
Linda Scheckelhoff Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin, OH
Everyone loses with the mere existence of nuclear weapons.
Everyone loses with the mere existence of nuclear weapons.
Elbert Kuhns St. Mathias, Clarksville, PA
Rebecca Kuhns St. Matthias, Clarksville, PA
Deacon Keith Kondrich Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Gemma Doll Dominican Sisters of Peace, Columbus, OH
Chinh Chu Van Saint Germane, Pittsburgh, PA
For peace of all the world, let’s say no to nukes!
For peace of all the world, let’s say no to nukes!
Michael Ziegler St. Joseph Parish, Providence, RI
Bridget Spitznagel St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
I found a flyer in my car door promoting this petition from an "Association of Pittsburgh Priests" which I gather is a group of mostly laypeople who call themselves priests! - very odd! - I have written to them to recommend that they don't do that! I do not want to be associated with acts of linguistic rebellion, but it's true that nuclear weapons are a shameful evil. I suppose this comment will be edited for more than brevity!
I found a flyer in my car door promoting this petition from an "Association of Pittsburgh Priests" which I gather is a group of mostly laypeople who call themselves priests! - very odd! - I have written to them to recommend that they don't do that! I do not want to be associated with acts of linguistic rebellion, but it's true that nuclear weapons are a shameful evil. I suppose this comment will be edited for more than brevity!
The Moderating Team thanks Bridget for her endorsement. We also suggest she check out the Association of Pittsburgh Priests’ website, specifically the page “Who we are” where there’s a link to “What’s in a name.” Better yet, check out the link on that same page to the history of the APP by Art McDonald who is making presentations in Pittsburgh in early November, 2022. Contact him at: [email protected] with an offer to take him out to lunch.
Fr. Lou Vallone Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Arthur McDonald, PhD First Universalist Church in Essex, MA, Salem, MA
Keith Zehr Stop Banking The Bomb, Turtle Creek, PA
Joseph Hollerich Archangel Gabriel Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
Jay Mastilak Archangel Gabriel Parish, Coraopolis, PA
Peace can only be achieved by disarmament.
Peace can only be achieved by disarmament.
Helen DiFalco St. Oscar Romero Parish, Canonsburg, PA
Congratulations to Archbishop Wester for his pastoral letter and informing us about the nuclear warheads.
Congratulations to Archbishop Wester for his pastoral letter and informing us about the nuclear warheads.
Deacon Thomas J. Berna St. Paul Cathedral Parish, Pittsburgh, PA
Citing 8/6 as the anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan, I added a petition this past weekend calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Citing 8/6 as the anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan, I added a petition this past weekend calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons.
Jean Murin Sisters of Mercy, Pittsburgh, PA
It is important that the all people become aware of the nuclear threat and that the Church is speaking out on this issue.
It is important that the all people become aware of the nuclear threat and that the Church is speaking out on this issue.
Mary Grace O'Connor-DeFilipis St. Matthew Parish, Glenshaw, PA
Please seriously consider the destructive power of nuclear weaponry and their effect on God's remarkable creation in our Mother Earth. I strongly encourage to speak up with vigor and volume against nuclear proliferation as an imperative of our Catholic charism and belief. Thank you.
Please seriously consider the destructive power of nuclear weaponry and their effect on God's remarkable creation in our Mother Earth. I strongly encourage to speak up with vigor and volume against nuclear proliferation as an imperative of our Catholic charism and belief. Thank you.
Theron Gilliland, Jr. Green Party of the United States, Democratic Socialists of America, Pittsburgh, PA