To the Editor:

Where’s the outcry against nuclear weapons?

While many of us have marched for science, climate change, human rights, homelessness and jobs, one of the most serious problems we face is seemingly being ignored. The threat of nuclear war has risen to a new level thanks to the escalation of tensions between the U.S. and North Korea and Iran.

As members of Pax Christi RI, the international Catholic peace movement, we would like to go on record as deeply concerned about this renewed threat to the peace and security not only of our country but of the entire international community.

Our concern for the gassing of innocent children is real and must be addressed. The potential destruction and annihilation of hundreds of thousand of innocents in the event of even one modern day nuclear warhead would be an even greater tragedy. It could even bring an end to life as we know it.

There are so many issues facing us at the moment that perhaps people cannot bear to think of the magnitude of the nuclear threat. Perhaps there is a belief that deterrence has worked in the past and will continue to work even in these threatening times, or maybe no one believes that Trump or North Korean president Kim Jung-un would be foolish enough to make a first strike. I wish we could believe all this, but the fact remains that the threat is real and understated. Two not very stable leaders with access to weapons of mass destruction are not signs of security.

As members of the body of Christ we are reminded that Jesus taught us that we are all brothers and sisters in one God. It is unthinkable to imagine that God would want us to vaporize innocent children, destroy the earth and each other in his name. Can there be any action more unjust and immoral than the use of nuclear weapons?

Every person on this earth, regardless of faith tradition or culture, must stand up to this madness. We must rid the world of these weapons of mass destruction before it is too late! In whatever way you can, wherever you are, inform yourself of the facts and begin today to support all those working for peace. Write or call your representatives and join the Women’s March To Ban The Bomb on June 17 at 12:00 in NYC. www.womenbanthebomb.org.

Madeline Labriola,

Westerly

Member of Pax Christi Rhode Island

www.paxchristiri.org