* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution:D060
Title:Reject Nuclear Options
Topic:Weapons
Committee:09 - National and International Concerns
House of Initial Action:Deputies
Proposer:The Rev. William E. Exner

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention commend the President's recent invitation to nations to scale down the world's nuclear weapons stockpile; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention call upon U.S. policy makers to determine a timely process for the dismantling of existing U.S. nuclear weapons while urging other nations to do likewise; and be it further

Resolved, That this church urge the President and Congress to explore a moratorium on production of new nuclear arms.


EXPLANATION

In recent times, more and more nations threaten to develop and add to the global nuclear arsenal. The U.S. possesses the largest nuclear stockpile on earth, the deadly presence of which encourages other nations and clandestine organizations to acquire or produce their own arsenals. The recent positive overtures of the current administration, though laudable, will scale down the nuclear threat more effectively by setting a good example.

Additionally, and critically important, the unsolved problem of no safe way or place to store nuclear waste in already taking a human and ecological toll on people in Colorado, the Navajo people of New Mexico, populations in Australia, and herdsmen in North Africa where there are plans to increase uranium mining. At present, France is buying up American nuclear power plants and offering to build even more on U.S. soil.

We believe that this fragile earth, our island home, is a God-given gift entrusted to us as caretakers-of creation and one another. Neither nuclear weaponry, nor the mining of uranium, nor the use of nuclear power are reflective of our faith and role as life-affirming partners with God.


* Note: The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 76th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.