Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions

From 18 to 21 September, Fr Ivan Attard (from the Province of Malta), as Regional Promoter for
Dominicans for Justice and Peace (DJP) Europe, and I, as the Order’s representative to the UN in
Vienna, attended the conference of the European diocesan commissions for justice and peace within
the framework of the bishops’ conferences as ‘observers’ in Glasgow. The theme was ‘nuclear
disarmament and paths towards an unarmed and disarmament-based peace’. Among those present
were the Archbishop of Dijon, Antoine Herouard, and the Archbishop of Glasgow, William Nolan, as
well as representatives from across Europe.

In addition to various reports, there was a trip to the Faslane-on-Clyde naval base near Glasgow on
Gare Loch. Submarines armed with Trident missiles are stationed there. These carry nuclear
warheads with enormous explosive power. A single missile could completely destroy the whole of
Moscow and its surrounding area. Cost of one missile: between 30 and 50 million dollars… . Just
think of all the good that could be done with that money – for example, putting an end to the world’s
famines once and for all!
This visit culminated in a prayer for peace led by both bishops outside the gates of the base.
Every day, the group celebrated Holy Mass with the bishops and, of course, enjoyed some cosy
moments with whisky and Scottish music.
As a result of the meeting, a declaration has been drawn up, which I am attaching to this report and
which is supported by DJP.

Furthermore, please find:

Here the link to an upcoming conference in Strasbourg on non-violent civilian peacebuilding on 13-14 November (supported by JP France), in case you are interested in participating

Here the link to the Press release

Here the link to the Final Declaration

Here the link to some pictures (thank you José) 

Here the link to the Message of Sr. Alessandra Smerilli

Here the link to the JPE lecture of Gertrud Casel

Here the link to an Appeal to abolish nuclear weapons shared by the French JP Commission for your consideration (support possible before 26 September)

Text: Fr. Günter Reitzi