Message from Hiroshima

Nagasaki after the bomb

Source: Christian CND, Pax Christi

On Tuesday, 6 August 79 years ago, the USA dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, instantly murdering over 100,000 people, and forever changing the lives of countless more. Yoshiatsu Takamura survived the bombing as a young child, and sends us this message today:

"On this solemn Hiroshima Day, we are reminded of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the urgent need to advocate for peace.

Today, the confrontation between war and peace is intensifying. The war forces in Russia and Israel openly speak of using nuclear weapons. It is proving that modern warfare and the use of nuclear weapons are inseparable.

This is precisely why the forces advocating for peace are calling for the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to prevent war and safeguard peace. At their second meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York last December, nuclear deterrence was directly criticized as a policy tool that "not only fails to protect peace but also serves as a means of coercion, intimidation, and escalating tensions."

The peace-seeking forces are becoming increasingly powerful in the face of actions by Russia and Israel. With confidence in the achievements of the December meeting, let's increase the signatures and ratifications of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and let's add countries like Japan and the United Kingdom.

Let us stand united in our commitment to this cause. By working together, we can pave the way towards a world free from the threat of nuclear warfare, ensuring a safer and more peaceful future for all.

Let's cooperate and strive together.

Thank you

Yoshiatsu Takamura

Friday 9 August marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Events will be taking place in London, Liverpool and Abingdon to commemorate this day. See details below:

Friday 9 August 11am - 1pm
London: Nagasaki Day Vigil
At Westminster Cathedral
For more details see: https://paxchristi.org.uk/calendar/

Friday 9 August 11am - 1pm
Liverpool: Nagasaki Day Commemoration and Service for Peace
At Metropolitan Cathedral. For more details see: https://paxchristi.org.uk/calendar/

Friday 9 August 6 - 8 pm
London: Franz Jägerstätter - Annual Service
At Holy Apostles church, Winchester Street, Pimlico SW1V 4NE. - followed by interfaith procession lead by the Buddhist monks from from the church to the Pagoda in Battersea Park for their ceremony commemorating Nagasaki Day.
For more details see: https://paxchristi.org.uk/calendar/
If you would like to follow the service online it will be livestreamed via: www.churchservices.tv/pimlico

Friday 9 August 6.30 pm - 8pm
Abingdon Peace Group - Hiroshima Exhibition and Lantern Floating Ceremony
St Ethlewold's House. For more details see: https://paxchristi.org.uk/calendar/