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“Military power has once again become the preferred tool for advancing national interests, as constraints have been cast aside and fundamental principles of international law disregarded,” the statement reads. "The longstanding taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is being undermined by rhetoric and policies that openly contemplate their use.”
The irrational and deeply immoral doctrine of nuclear deterrence has returned to the centre of geopolitical strategy, notes the statement.
“This moment calls the global Christian community—and all people of faith and goodwill—to recognize the things that make for peace,” the text reads.
The WCC central committee, naming examples of war and conflict across the globe, called on all states to “remember the lessons of history, to reverse course away from war and towards peace, to stop their renewed arms races, to step back from the precipice of nuclear confrontation, and to discover the true foundations of sustainable peace – not in the force of arms, but in the pursuit of justice and equal rights for all, and in the recognition of our common humanity.”
The WCC governing body also renewed the WCC 11th Assembly’s appeal for a global ceasefire, and highlighted “the impact of proliferating armed conflicts and violence (including sexual violence against women and girls) on the most vulnerable, especially children and people with disabilities.”
The statement also demands "respect for the principles of international humanitarian and human rights law, which have been established for the protection of people and communities from the scourge of war.”
In addition, the WCC central committee urged all states to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
“Once again we pray that the love of Christ will move this suffering and divided world to reconciliation and to unity, and that all perpetrators of violence and division will repent of their sins and act to restore justice and peace,” concludes the statement.
The WCC central committee is convening 18-24 June in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Statement on Threats to Peace and People’s Security: A Kairos Moment for Just Peace
WCC Central Committee, June 2025
WCC general secretary reflects on daring to hope amid struggle (WCC news release, 18 June 2025)
Welcomed by African churches, WCC central committee opens (WCC news release, 19 June 2025)
