World Council of Churches plans pilgrimage to Marshall Islands

Oikoumene Pasifika, group of young people from the Pacific, WCC 11th Assembly, Karlsruhe, Germany, 9 November 2022. Photo by Albin Hillert/WCC

Source: WCC

With a focus on the legacy of nuclear testing and climate change, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is planning a pilgrimage visit to the Marshall Islands on 16-24 November.

While nuclear weapons have not been used as weapons of war since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, extensive testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific region was conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom and France until 1996.

The consequences of this testing have largely remained invisible and unaddressed, whilst victims continue to suffer from the impacts on their health and that of their descendants, the degradation of their environment, and pollution of their waters. Very few people have received compensation or adequate assistance for the consequences they have suffered.

The pilgrimage will carry out an accompaniment visit, raise global awareness of the ongoing impacts of nuclear testing and the effects of climate change, and demonstrate solidarity with the citizens and member churches.

The delegation will meet with survivors of nuclear testing and a wide range of civil society groups to hear of their experiences and concerns. The delegation will also meet with the Marshall Islands National Nuclear Commission, UN partners, and church partners.

By engaging with survivors of nuclear testing and their families, the WCC delegation hopes to be guided by them to support advocacy strategies which put the needs and priorities of the affected people first.

The visit will begin in the capital Majuro, with encounters between survivors of nuclear testing and their families. Connections with local churches will also be a priority.

LINKS

The head of the WCC delegation is Rev Dr Karen Georgia A Thompson.

Learn more about the WCC work on Arms control and disarmament

and Care for creation and climate justice