We are pleased to share a significant achievement by Pax Christi Rhode Island (PCRI) and other faith organizations from across the state. Pax Christi RI is a dedicated member of our movement and one of Pax Christi USAs local groups.

For many years, Just Peace RI—an ad hoc coalition of which PCRI is a part—has been actively engaged in advocating for nuclear disarmament, demonstrating unwavering commitment to this critical issue. Their efforts have culminated in the passage of a vital resolution in the House this year, following its successful passage in the Senate two years ago. This makes Rhode Island the fifth state to pass such a resolution, marking a notable victory in the ongoing quest for global nuclear disarmament.

The members of Just Peace RI have been consistent and tireless in their advocacy, conducting weekly demonstrations in front of US congressmen’s offices, on college campuses, at the State House, and at nuclear production sites like Quonset Point. Their persistent efforts have not only raised awareness but have also significantly contributed to this legislative success.

We invite you to read the full press release to learn more about Just Peace RI’s dedicated work and their impactful journey toward achieving this remarkable milestone in nuclear disarmament advocacy.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Hood – 401-297-1904
William Smith III – 401-788-4642

RI House of Representatives passes Nuclear Treaty Resolution directing the RI Secretary of State to send certified copies to the RI Congressional Delegation – Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Reps Magaziner and Amo – as well as other key US officials, including the President, Senate leaders, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House.

On Thursday, June 6, in a long-sought victory for the Rhode Island peace community, the RI House of Representatives passed HR 7329 ‘Urging the federal government to pursue a broad range of measures to reduce the danger of nuclear war, to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), to make nuclear disarmament the centerpiece of our national security policy, and to spearhead a global effort to prevent nuclear war.’ The Resolution passed with broad support – 50 to 19 – with only Republicans and some conservative Democrats opposed.

Lead Sponsor of the Resolution, Representative Susan R. Donovan of Bristol, said : “Whatever people feel about ratifying the TPNW, I think most people can agree that we should not be the country that relies on weapons that have no use in war other than destroying civilian targets.  Unleashing global famine, climate and habitat destruction and misery would be a catastrophe beyond understanding for everyone on our planet.”

Co-sponsors of the resolution include Representatives Morales, Henries, Stewart, Batista, Cruz, Speakman, McGaw, Potter, and Ackerman.

This historic vote comes amid ongoing nuclear saber-rattling and escalating tensions between Russia and the United States and NATO, and between Israel and Iran. Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons and placed his nuclear forces on high alert for the first time since the end of the Cold War. Some members of Israel’s government have talked openly about nuclear weapon use related to its war in Gaza, and the chances of Iran developing nuclear weapons increases due to the situation in Gaza and tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran.  Also, not so long ago, the previous US president openly threatened use of nuclear weapons. The world faces the real threat of nuclear war and the potentially existential consequences that such a war would pose.

The TPNW treaty, in force since 2021 and now ratified by 70 nations (with the Vatican as the first upholder) makes the fabrication, possession, storage, use or threat of use of nuclear weapons illegal in the ratifying nations. No nuclear-armed nation has yet signed this innovative treaty. Elimination of nuclear weapons has general support of 65 % of the US population and has been immensely popular in other nations whose peoples would be threatened by a devastating ‘nuclear winter’ in the case of a war with these weapons. Campaigners feel that the US President could sign this Treaty, and then (before ratification) use American diplomatic expertise to get other nuclear nations to follow suit. With American leadership, an international conference could be convened at which all nuclear-armed countries (including Russia and China) would forswear these deadly arms and create binding mechanisms for their compliance and verification.

Mary Pendergast, RSM of the Sisters of Mercy in Pawtucket said, “The Sisters of Mercy have a commitment to nonviolence. We work for peace and support nuclear disarmament, reduction of arms and the use of dialogue instead of armed conflict. We are glad to be part of this achievement by Just Peace RI.

Just Peace RI, an ad hoc coalition representative of peace, justice, and faith organizations from across the state, includes Pax Christi RI, East Bay Citizens for Peace, No Endless War or Excessive Militarism, Sisters of Mercy Justice Team, Rhode Island Poor People’s Campaign, Rhode Island Anti-war Committee and FCNL – Providence Advocacy Team.  Just Peace RI has been trying to get a Resolution passed by the House in recent years.  The RI Senate passed an identical Resolution in 2022.

Rhode Island joins four other US States (NJ, OR, CA, & ME) and many US and international cities (including Washington DC, Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) that have passed resolutions in favor of the TPNW.  In Rhode Island, East Providence, Little Compton, Bristol, and Jamestown have passed similar resolutions.

The Official Summary of HR 7329 states: “This resolution acknowledges the catastrophic potential of nuclear weapons, which are primarily held by the United States and Russia, with a smaller number possessed by seven other countries. It highlights the dire consequences of even a limited nuclear exchange, which could lead to global climate disruption and widespread famine, and notes that a large-scale nuclear conflict could potentially result in human extinction. The resolution also points out that despite reductions in active nuclear weapons since the Cold War, thousands remain on high alert.” The resolution calls for the U.S. federal government to lead global efforts to prevent nuclear war by adopting several measures: renouncing first-strike capability, ending the President’s sole launch authority, removing weapons from hair-trigger alert, halting modernization plans, and pursuing disarmament agreements. It urges the President and US Senate to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which outlaws nuclear arms and mandates their elimination.

“These weapons threaten our lives and culture on a daily basis. Now that the RI Legislature has acted, it’s time to see some American leadership at the federal level,” said William Smith III of Jamestown, former Peace Corps volunteer, local businessman, and current Pax Christi RI member.

Just Peace RI

X: @Just_Peace_RI

Pictures courtesy of Pax Christi Rhode Island