More than 100 Christians gathered outside Faslane Naval Base in Scotland to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Led by representatives of Scotland’s three largest Christian Churches, the peace vigil aimed to renew the call for a world free of nuclear weapons. The event, organized by Justice & Peace Scotland, featured prominent leaders, including Most Rev William Nolan, Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The gathering emphasized the urgent need for disarmament, given the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Archbishop Nolan poignantly noted that the phrase “never again” has become hollow in light of ongoing nuclear threats. The current generation of nuclear warheads, held by nine nations, is estimated to be 80 times more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Faslane Naval Base, home to the Royal Navy’s four Vanguard-class submarines, each carrying Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles, was the deliberate location for this protest.
The leaders emphasized the importance of working towards peace and expressed solidarity with those who serve at Faslane. Rt Rev Frew articulated the Church of Scotland’s stance, saying, “On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it seems right to stand with other Christians saying ‘No’ to nuclear weapons and ‘Yes’ to peace.” As the world grapples with escalating tensions and nuclear threats, this vigil serves as a powerful reminder of the need for collective action towards disarmament and peace.
