Christians to gather for peace vigil to say no to nuclear weapons
Published on 1 July 2025 3 minutes read
Christians are invited to gather for a peace vigil to say loudly and clearly to political leaders "No to Nuclear Weapons".
The ecumenical event is being held outside the south gate of HM Naval Base Clyde, on Saturday, 2 August from 10.30am to 12pm to witness against the continued presence of warheads described as an "affront to humanity".
Known as Faslane and located on the Gare Loch near Helensburgh, the facility is home to the Royal Navy's four Vanguard-class submarines – HMS Vanguard, Vengeance, Victorious and Vigilant – which each carry Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles.
Described as Britain's nuclear deterrent and ultimate defence, they can be fired at targets up to 4,000 miles away.
Organised by Justice and Peace Scotland, the vigil is being held in the week of the 80th anniversary of the United States of America detonating two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 August and 9 August 1945, respectively.
It is estimated that 140,000 people in Hiroshima were killed and at least 74,000 people died in Nagasaki, leading to the Japanese government signing an instrument of surrender on 2 September 1945, ending the Second World War.
Needless death
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly, is attending the vigil and said the Church of Scotland stands in solidarity with all those who work at Faslane in the service of the United Kingdom, while praying for peace in a world where there is no threat of nuclear weapons ever being used.
She will join Archbishop William Nolan, president of Justice and Peace Scotland, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Most Rev Mark Strange and members of the Iona Community for an ecumenical service of prayer, reflection and hymns.
Speaking ahead of the vigil, Mrs Frew said: "The General Assembly in May 2025 re-affirmed the consistent position of the Church of Scotland in condemning the existence and threat of nuclear weapons.
"Our world is a very broken place at the moment, so much needless death and destruction.
"My hope and prayer is to live in a world without war or the threat of war, a world without the threat of the deployment of nuclear weapons.
"On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it seems right to stand with other Christians saying ‘No' to nuclear weapons and ‘Yes' to peace.
"I would encourage church members to come along, join in the vigil, and send a message to our politicians because there has to be a better way.
"I know opinion is very divided on holding nuclear weapons but I don't believe anyone would ever wish them to be deployed, both those who will gather outside and those who serve in HM Naval Base Clyde."
Stand in faith and solidarity
Justice and Peace Scotland say Christians are called to be peacemakers and to uphold the dignity of every human life.
"Nuclear weapons are fundamentally incompatible with this call as their existence threatens indiscriminate destruction and a future built on fear and power-wielding rather than on fraternity amongst nations," it said.
"The vigil is an opportunity for Christians to stand in faith and solidarity on the site where the UK's weapons of mass destruction are housed and to renew our shared commitment to the common good and the flourishing of creation."
Organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to attend and a free bus service will be provided from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Lothian Buses coach will arrive at Waterloo Place, beside Waverley Station, in Edinburgh at 7.30am and departs at 7.45am.
It will pick up passengers in Gordon Street, Glasgow, at the front of Central Station, leaving at 9.15am.
To secure a seat, contact: office@justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk
