ASIA/JAPAN - Ten days for Peace, Message from Bishops of Japan

Monday, 8 August 2016 bishops   violence   politics   episcopal conferences  

Tokyo (Agenzia Fides) - In response to the strong "Appeal for Peace" at Hiroshima by Saint Pope John Paul II on February 25, 1981, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan designated the days from August 6 to 15 as "Ten Days for Peace". These days were chosen because the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Memorial Days and the Commemoration Day for the end of World War II all occur in this period. This year marks the 35th time we mark this period.
"World peace has been shattered and is constantly threatened by such events as the Syrian War, terrorist activities by fundamentalists and others, armed conflicts involving control of resources and hegemonic shows of force. Numerous people including children and women are killed or injured, forced to leave home, deprived of a normal life and even life itself. Terrorist attacks occur in major cities in Europe, the United States or in Muslim nations. Many Japanese people have become victims", reports the note sent to Fides.
"Depending on the power of humanity and the grace of God, we want to realize the high ideal of eliminating not only nuclear weapons but all types of weapons and violence from the world. Within our country, we cannot be indifferent to murders that occur on a daily basis, or to discrimination based on nationality, culture or gender, to domestic violence, hate speech, or sexual or power harassment.
There is no peace where someone is excluded, dominated, disrespected or discriminated against. By making efforts to complete the fulfillment and happiness of heart and body, work and private life, and relationships with God and people in particular, we must begin building peace within ourselves. We all can do that and we all must do that. That is the sure path to realizing world peace", concludes the text. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 08/08/2016)


Share: