Faiths united against renewal of Trident

Campaigners at today's vigil

Members of Pax Christi joined with Anglicans, Methodists, Quakers and Buddhists on Wednesday, 13 July, in supporting the Stop Trident Lobby in Central London today. Starting with an ecumenical service in St Martin-in-the-Fields they then held an hour-long vigil opposite the House of Commons as the Lobby began.

During the service they heard the words of the Scottish Bishops from a statement issued on 12 July: "The UK signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Britain should take more decisive and courageous steps to revive that aspect of the treaty and not seek to prolong the status quo" The Scottish Bishops have been clear and consistent in speaking out on the immorality of nuclear weapons.

Hundreds of people passed by the vigil, many showing great interest and engaging in conversations. Following the vigil many of those taking part went in to the House of Commons to lobby their PMs and MSPs. Members of Justice and Peace Scotland joined the vigil and Pax Christi members from Leeds, Loughborough, Kent, Surrey and many parts of London took part too.

According to CND, who called for the Lobby, more than 100 MPs were lobbied by hundreds of constituents. Many Pax Christi members who could not come to London wrote to or arranged meetings at local level.

Faith groups were also represented at an evening committee meeting in the Houses of Parliament. Among the speakers was Bruce Kent from Pax Christi (report coming later.)

On Monday evening there will be another vigil outside Parliament at 6pm. MPs are due to vote on the replacement of Trident on Monday.