“Nuclear weapons are built to be used sooner or later. But instead of stepping back from the brink, the world is dashing to plunge over the cliff.” -The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, URI Founder and President Emeritus URI Founder and President Emeritus
On August 6th, 1945, humanity experienced a tragic turning point when the United States of America dropped the first military targeted nuclear bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on the nearby city of Nagasaki. These events caused immense suffering and loss of life, left deep emotional and ethical wounds, and articulated the serious threat that nuclear weapons pose to all of humanity.
80 years later, that crucial lesson is as urgent as ever. Nuclear disarmament is not only a political necessity but a moral responsibility to humanity itself. The existence of nuclear weapons fuels a cycle of violence and distrust among nations and places billions of human lives at risk of catastrophe. Karen Volker, the Executive Director of the United Religions Initiative (URI), emphasizes that true security comes not from the threat of annihilation, but through disarmament and fostering understanding among countries.
“As an organization committed to promoting peace, URI understands that genuine security cannot be secured through the threat of annihilation. Instead, we must advocate for disarmament as a moral obligation, fostering dialogue and understanding among nations.” - Karen Volker, URI Executive Director.
Supporting nuclear disarmament is about more than simply eliminating the weapons that ensue the destruction of shared humanity; it’s about creating a safer world now and for future generations. Reflecting on the devastating impacts of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reminds us of the need to cultivate a culture of peace among nations and among individuals.
For the past 25 years, URI has been dedicated to this mission, aiming to end violence motivated by religious or ideological differences, as such differences should never justify weapons capable of destroying life on Earth.
“URI has been involved since its inception in advocating for a world without nuclear weapons. URI’s mission is, inter alia, to create a culture of peace, justice, and healing. Nuclear weapons are the antithesis of that culture.” - Eric Roux, URI Global Council Chair.
URI believes that ensuring a world free of nuclear weapons requires a multi-faceted approach involving international cooperation, policy advocacy, and grassroots efforts. Global and local movements for nuclear disarmament show what can happen when people unite across different cultures and beliefs.
Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, a Cooperation Circle of URI, is an interfaith group of diplomats, scientists, educators, and activists focused on eliminating nuclear weapons through education, awareness, reflection, and prayer.
“Many people feel helpless about something that seems beyond their control. We work to build a new and urgent public conversation about nuclear weapons.“ - Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons.
URI also believes that empowering future generations to take action and foster a culture of peace are crucial to disarmament. Issac Thomas, Vice Chair of URI’s Global Council, points out that young people often challenge outdated ideas and bring a new sense of urgency to activism.
"Young people have a vital role to play in the journey toward a world free of nuclear weapons. They bring fresh perspectives, boldness, and an unyielding sense of justice. Many are not burdened by political baggage or institutional inertia, which makes them uniquely positioned to ask hard questions, challenge outdated narratives, and mobilize new forms of activism rooted in empathy, ethics, and urgency.” - Issac Thomas, URI Global Council Vice Chair
This year, URI has witnessed rising involvement of young people and local communities around the world in advocating for disarmament and in preventing violence in all its forms.
“In URI, I have witnessed this energy firsthand—especially through the Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons Cooperation Circle, where young people and elders work side by side. Youth are not just participants in this movement; they are visionaries, educators, artists, diplomats, and storytellers who can influence hearts and minds across generations and geographies.” - Issac Thomas, URI Global Council Vice Chair
URI is dedicated to supporting grassroots communities through Cooperation Circles like Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons that implement local peace initiatives by amplifying the work done to promote peace, providing resources and training to equip them with relevant knowledge and skills, and providing a global platform and collaboration opportunities with like-minded organisations.
So, what can you do?
- Visit https://www.voices-uri.org/ for webinars, information, and to subscribe to their newsletter
- Take part and share your intentions during Nuclear Prayer Day
- Foster conversations in your community about peace, shared responsibility, and intergenerational action
- Approach educators, community leaders, and families about organizing
- Make a tax-deductible donation to URI to support our continued interfaith efforts for global disarmament and providing resources to cooperation circles like Voices for a Nuclear Free World
The journey may seem ‘long’, but with determination and solidarity, we can have a world free of nuclear weapons; a world where nuclear weapons are relics of the past.
“In case you think that your moral, spiritual voice is in the minority, please know that every major religious group in the world has called for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Follow the prayer that is in your soul, raise your voice, save the world!” - The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, URI Founder and President Emeritus
May Peace Prevail.
