U.S. Religious Leaders Signing Citizen's Pledge on Nuclear Weapons Abolition

Transcription

1 Not for Publication U.S. Religious Leaders Signing Citizen's Pledge on Nuclear Weapons Abolition The Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan Bishop, Richmond Catholic Dioceses President, Pax Christi USA The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Hamm General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) The Most Rev. Thomas J. Gumbleton Auxiliary Bishop, Detroit Catholic Archdiocese; Past President,Pax Christi USA Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, President, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; Secretary, United Methodist Council of Bishops The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA The Rev. Dr. Daniel Weiss, General Secretary, American Baptist Churches The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning Presiding Bishop Episcopal Church, U.S.A. The Rev. Dr. Donald E. Miller, General Secretary, Church of the Brethren Norval Hadley, Executive Director Evangelical Friends Mission Bruce Birchard, General Secretary Friends General Conference Johan Maurer, General Secretary Friends United Meeting Vern Preheim, General Secretary General Conference, Mennonite Church John A. Lapp, Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee

2 United Methodist Church Bishop George W. Bashore United Methodist Church Bishop Frederick Mutti United Methodist Church Bishop Kenneth L. Carder United Methodist Church Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer United Methodist Church Bishop William Boyd Grove United Methodist Church Bishop Thomas B. Stockton United Methodist Church Bishop Neil L. Irons United Methodist Church Bishop Mary Ann Swenson United Methodist Church Bishop S. Clifton Ives United Methodist Church Bishop C. Dale White United Methodist Church Bishop L. Bevel Jones United Methodist Church Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly United Methodist Church Bishop Joel M. Martinez United Methodist Church Bishop Marshall L. Meadors, Jr. United Methodist Church Bishop Calvin D. McDonnell United Methodist Church Bishop William W. Morris

3 Signers of Citizen's Pledge on Nuclear Weapons Abolition (cont.) Betty Bumpers, President & Founder Peace Links Marguito Platov, Founder Orthodox Peace Fellowship Rev. Mr. Thomas C. Cornell, National Secretary, Catholic Peace Fellowship Mary Miller, Executive Secretary Episcopal Peace Fellowship Rabbi Philip J. Bentley, President Jewish Peace Fellowship Rev. Dr. Dennis M. Davidson, President Unitarian Universalist Peace Fellowship Robert Z. Alpern Unitarian Universalist Peace Fellowship Ken Giles Jewish Peace Fellowship Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Director The Shalom Center George D. McClain, Executive Director Methodist Federation for Social Action Howard W. Hallman, Chair, Methodists United for Peace with Justice Meta Ukena, Co-chair Presbyterian Peace Fellowship

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5 CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address Telephone Fax Send reply to: Methodists United for Peace with Justice th Street, NW. Washington, DC Fax:

6 CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address Telephone Fax Send reply to: Nuclear Abolition Pledge th Street, NW. Washington, DC Fax:

7 CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address Telephone Fax Send reply to:

8 CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address Telephone Fax Send reply to: Methodists United for Peace with Justice th Street, NW. Washington, DC Fax: CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address

9 Telephone Fax Send reply to: Methodists United for Peace with Justice th Street, NW. Washington, DC Fax: CITIZEN'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION Yes, I will join Nobel laureates and religious leaders in signing the Citizen's Pledge to seek the abolition of all nuclear weapons in the world. My name may be listed among the signers in further circulation and publicity for the Citizen's Pledge. Signature Date Name (with preferred title) Address Telephone Fax Send reply to: Methodists United for Peace with Justice th Street, NW. Washington, DC Fax:

10 Elements of a Call for Action 1. Praise achievement of CTBT. 2. Call upon the nuclear weapons states and other nations to honor their commitment of Article VI of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty by promptly commencing negotiations for an international convention that provides for the phased elimination of all nuclear weapons within a timebound framework with provisions for effective verification and enforcement. Suggested by Howard W. Hallman Phone/fax: September 3,

11 Religious leaders invited to participate in Citizens Signing Ceremony or send a represenative. Contacted by Howard Hallman, Chair, Methodists United for Peace with Justice. Bishop McKinley Young, Ecumenical Officer African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Cecil Bishop, Senior Bishop African Methodist Episcopal Church Zion Church The Rev. Dr. Daniel Weiss, General Secretary American Baptist Churches The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Hamm, General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Senior Bishop Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The Rev. Dr. Donald E. Miller, General Secretary Church of the Brethren General Board The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop Episcopal Church Norval Hadley, Executive Director Evangelical Friends Mission The Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson, Bishop 1

12 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bruce Birchard, General Secretary Friends General Conference Johann Maurer, General Secretary Friends United Meeting Vern Preheim, General Secretary General Conference Mennonite Church The Rev. Dr. E. Edward Jones, President National Baptist Convention of America The Rev. Dr. Roscoe Cooper, Jr., General Secretary National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, President National Council of Churches The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, General Secretary National Council of Churches Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The Rev. Dr. Tyrone Pitts, General Secretary Progressive National Baptist Convention The Rev. Dr. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary Reformed Church in America 2

13 The Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, President Unitarian Universalist Association The Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry, President United Church of Christ Bishop William B. Grove, Ecumenical Officer United Methodist Church Drew Christiansen, SJ, Director, Office of International Justice and Peace U.S. Catholic Conference (seeking participation of a Catholic bishop) For further information, contact Howard W. Hallman, phone/fax September 11,

14 Draft PEOPLE'S PLEDGE FOR NUCLEAR ABOLITION To be signed at a ceremony in New York City on September 24, 1996 After four decades of public pressure to end nuclear weapons tests and after 2,045 nuclear test explosions in the air, under water, in outer space, and underground, finally world leaders have overwhelmingly agreed to a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Today, as the treaty is signed by heads of state at the United Nations in New York, we remember the suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the millions of victims of nuclear testing worldwide. The conclusion of a zero yield Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and it provides valuable momentum toward the unfinished task of abolishing nuclear weapons. Today, we, the undersigned, along with concerned people worldwide, renew our pledge to seek abolition of every nuclear weapon on the face of the earth. We pledge to work for the swift ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to ensure that nuclear bombs will never again be detonated anywhere on the planet. We pledge to oppose any efforts to develop new nuclear weapons.

15 We pledge to work for the immediate initiation of negotiations on a nuclear weapons abolition convention that will commit the world to a timetable for the elimination of nuclear weapons. September 16, 1996

16 Representatives of Religious Organizations for Citizens Signing Ceremony Mia Adjali, United Methodist Women's Division Will Baker, Unitarian Universalist Association Rev. Dr. H. Devor Chapman, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. (will have driver with him) Elizabeth Emloe, American Friends Service Committee Rev. Brian Grieves, Episcopal Church Howard W. Hallman, Methodists United for Peace with Justice Rev. H. Patricia Jones, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Carmen Alicia Nebel, United Church of Christ Owen Owens, American Baptist Churches and Florence Skinner Robin Ringler, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Representative to be determined for: African Methodist Episcopal Church Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Church of the Brethren Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Mennonite Central Committee National Council of Churches Pax Christi U.S.A. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Progressive National Baptist Convention 1

17 September 20, :00 p.m. For further information, contact Howard Hallman at phone/fax

18 Citizens Signing Ceremony for Nuclear Abolition Pledge 8;00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 1996 Hard Rock Cafe, New York City Representatives of Religious Denominations Owen Owens and Florence Skinner, American Baptist Churches Elizabeth Emloe, American Friends Service Committee Rev. H. Patricia Jones, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Lamar Gibble, Church of the Brethren Rev. Brian Grieves, Episcopal Church John Rempel, Mennonite Central Committee Rev. Dr. H. Devor Chapman, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. (will have driver with him) Rev. Ray Giddings-Holmes, National Council of Churches William Baker, Unitarian Universalist Association Carmen Alicia Nebel, United Church of Christ Robin Ringler, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Mia Adjali, United Methodist Women's Division Representative to be determined for: African Methodist Episcopal Church Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Progressive National Baptist Convention Endorsing but cannot be present

19 Division of Church in Society, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Issuing separate statement on CTB treaty and nuclear abolition International Policy Committee, U.S. Catholic Conference Representatives of religious peace fellowships Howard W. Hallman, Methodists United for Peace with Justice Vince Komski, Pax Christi International Rachel Keeler, Pax Christi U.S.A. September 23, :30 p.m. For further information, contact Howard Hallman at phone/fax

20 Creating A Religious Working Group within the Nuclear Abolition Network Some ideas offered by Howard W. Hallman, Chair Methodists United for Peace with Justice An international network working for global abolition of nuclear weapons has formed during the past 18 months. Within that framework a nuclear abolition network has come into existence in the United States. A number of religious organizations are participating in this movement and have begun to undertake joint activities. I propose that these beginning efforts be built upon by forming a Religious Working Group for Nuclear Abolition, which should function within the broader U.S. and international nuclear abolition network. The Religious Working Group would serve as a facilitator of information exchange and joint activities. As a body it would not adopt policy statements on public issues. However, from time to time it might circulate sign-on statements, which each participating organization would determine whether or not to sign. Participation would be open to representatives of all denominations, peace fellowships, and other religious organizations which support the goal of nuclear weapons abolition. This can include denominational units working for peace and justice, heads of communion, ecumenical councils, unofficial peace fellowships within various denominations, interfaith organizations, and others. The Religious Working Group would have enough structure to fulfill its facilitative role but would have considerable flexibility for carrying out its tasks. Participation would be wholly voluntary. Participants would be 1

21 able to choose which joint activities they want to be involved in. Points of Reference The international nuclear abolition network had its beginning during the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Conference at the United Nations in April and May An Abolition Caucus produced an "Abolition 2000" statement, proposing 11 measures necessary to achieve nuclear weapons abolition refers to the year for the completion of negotiations on a nuclear weapons abolition convention. A second reference document is a Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition, developed by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, signed by 34 Nobel laureates and numerous other individuals and organizational representatives. This pledge is now being circulated in the United States among heads of religious communions, others in the religious community, and leaders in other sectors of society. Although the Abolition 2000 statement and the Citizen's Pledge do not function as an absolute litmus test for participating in the nuclear abolition network, they are useful points of reference for defining the goals and objectives of the network. Communications Exchange A major function of the Religious Working Group would be to facilitate communication among participating organizations. One method could be 2

22 regular exchange of newsletters and other documents. A second method could consist of linkages through electronic means, including existing electronic networks of the ecumenical community and secular peace organizations. Perhaps a separate electronic conference would be useful for the Religious Working Group. But always printed information should be made available to organizations lacking electronic connections. Joint Activities The Religious Working Group would provide opportunties for religious organizations to work together within the framework of the broader nuclear abolition movement. This would be build upon two activities that have occurred in the last six months: (1) production of material on bell tolling and other celebrations to commemorate the signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treating and (2) assembling religious representatives for the Citizens Signing Ceremony on the day the CTB Treaty was first signed. Further possible activities include circulation of joint statements on public policy issues, assembling delegations to call upon public officials, preparation of shared educational material and action guides, grassroots education within the religious community, and grassroots mobilization for specific actions. These activities would be carried out as cooperative ventures with various participants volunteering to perform specific tasks. Task groups could form as necessary and dissolve after their work is finished. Data Base As a foundation for working together, the Religious Working Group 3

23 could put together a data base related to policy positions of different denominations and activities now underway within the religious community in support of nuclear abolition. The starting point would be a listing of religious entities associaed with the Religious Working Group, primary contacts, addresses (U.S. mail and ), phone and fax numbers. There could also be a collection of policy statements and bibliographies of study documents, educational material, and action guides. Data bases of the wider nuclear abolition network would also be available. Others in this network should be able to tap into the data base of the Religious Working Group. Structure The Religious Working Group for Nuclear Abolition would need a bit of structure to give it coherences. For instance, there might be a convener or two or three co-conveners to pull it together and arrange for occasional meetings of participants. Individuals could volunteer to take on certain tasks. If several task groups form, their chairs might serve together as a steering committee. Maximum use would be made of conferencing via telephone, fax, computers, and U.S. mail. Communication exchange would be open to all who wish to participate. 4

24 June 27, 1996 To: Ed Doughtery Pendle Hill Fax: From: Howard W. Hallman David Gracie has told me that you are working on material related to the CTB Treaty signing. Therefore, I want to share with you a letter that came from Rabbi Bentley, president of the Jewish Peace Fellowship. You may want to get in touch with him. We want to give the material widespread publicity within the United Methodist Church and through peace and justice offices of other denominations. Therefore, I look forward to receiving the material as soon as it is ready. With best regards,

25 June 27, 1996 Bishop Melvin G. Talbert 8735 West Camden Drive Elk Grove, CA Dear Bishop Talbert: As you may recall, we met briefly at General Conference in Denver. Since then I visted Hiroshima, Japan that experience strengthened my determination to work for nuclear abolition. This is reflected in the enclosed letters to President Clinton and to persons in the U.S. Nuclear Abolition Network. I am writing you the day before the final session of this month's meeting in Geneva on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. There are excellent prospects that the participants will come to agreement on treaty language. If they do, we will be in a position to push for next steps. Even if they don't, we need to make the case for progressive action toward nuclear abolition. Therefore, I am wondering whether you and other leaders of the National Council of Churches might be willing to join with leadership from the National Council of Catholic Bishops and address President Clinton and Citizen Bob Dole with a request to make a firm commitment to nuclear abolition within a

26 scheduled timeframe and to specific next steps (such as START III, drafting a global nuclear weapons abolition convention with widespread public participation). These two leaders could be addressed through a sign-on letter, if possible presented in person by a delegation of religious leaders, and then released to the press. Conversations I have had during the past year with staff of the U.S. Catholic Conference lead me to believe that Catholic bishops in official leadership roles, such as Archbishop Daniel P. Reilly, chair of the Committee on International Policy, would be willing to join with their Protestant peers in such an endeavor. There is a commitment among many Protestant leaders, as I have discovered in circulating the Citizen's Pledge on Nuclear Abolition. For example, note the enclosed list of those who have signed the Pledge so far. Other denominations have official policy positions favoring the elimination of nuclear weapons (some are attached to my letter to President Clinton). I believe that many Protestant heads of communion would respond to an invitation from you to sign a letter to Clinton and Dole.

27 Bishop Melvin G. Talbert June 27, 1996 Page two. If you have a few moments in the next week or so before Jurisdiction Conference begins, I would like to discuss my ideas with you on the phone. I'll give you a call. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

28 July 9, 1996 To: National Advisory Committee Board of Directors From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair As part of our efforts on nuclear disarmament, we are circulating the enclosed Citizen's Pledge to work nuclear abolition, which was developed by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. You will notice that a number of Nobel laureates have signed the Pledge, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the XIVth Dalai Lama. For our part we are obtaining the signatures of heads of communion and other religious leaders who have a peace commitment. I invite each of you to sign the Citizen's Pledge and return the sign-on form by mail or fax. Furthermore, I encourage you to give the Citizen's Pledge wider circulation among your associates. For that purpose I can supply you additional copies of the Pledge and sign-on form, or you can make photocopies. At an appropriate time the list of signers will be presented to top governmental officials and will be released to the news media.

29 Thanks for your participation in this endeavor.

30 July 11, 1996 Mr. Duane Shank Sojourners th Street, NW Washington, DC Dear Duane: During the last several months I have been getting heads of communion to sign the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition. The results so far are shown on an enclosure. In several denominations bishops and area executives are now being invited to sign. Now we want to broaden the base and invite religious leaders beyond official denominational structures to sign. Among others we would hope that Jim Wallis will sign the Citizen's Pledge. And we would like your help in reaching out to persons considered to be within the evangelical community and others who have become active in the Call for Renewal movement. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Citizen's Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They will release the names in September as the

31 UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to have the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then. Therefore, I will greatly appreciate your assistance at this time. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

32 Letters to the Editor The Washington Post th Street, NW Washington, DC July 11, 1996 Dear Editor: I am astounded by the reasoning in Post editorial on the decision of the World Court on the threat or use of force by nuclear weapons. First, your claim that nuclear deterrence prevented war between the superpowers is speculative faith, not careful logic. There is no way to prove assuredly why something did not occur. It seems more reasonable to conclude that the United States and the Soviet Union did not go to war because neither side had any self-interest in doing so, even if there were no nuclear weapons. Second, your claim that nuclear deterrence is still needed in the post-cold War era defies the experience of the last 50 years in which 130 wars were not deterred by the existence of nuclear weapons. That includes wars in the Korean peninsula, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf area that involved the United States. In the first two of these the United States accepted stalemate and defeat rather than use nuclear weapons and in the third realized that nuclear weapons were not needed to achieve military objectives.

33 More to the point is that the threat or use of nuclear weapons is immoral. That was the conclusion of the United Methodist Council of Bishops in 1986 when they said a clear and unconditional No to nuclear war and to any use of nuclear weapons, including deterrence. Numerous religious leaders in the United States and throughout the world agree with that position. Moreover, many pragmatic military leaders and diplomats point out that nuclear weapons have no utility in the post-cold War era, except to deter other nuclear weapons. This, for instance, is the conclusion of a study panel of the Stimson Center, chaired by General Andrew J. Goodpaster. The solution is global nuclear abolition "under strict and effective international control" (as the World Court specified), not retaining the immoral and clearly outmoded doctrine of nuclear deterrence. Sincerely yours, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

34 July 11, 1996 Dr. Glen Stassen Southern Baptist Seminary 2825 Lexington Street Louisville, KY Dear Glen: During the last several months I have been getting heads of communion to sign the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition. The results so far are shown on an enclosure. In several denominations bishops and area executives are now being invited to sign. Now we want to broaden the base and invite religious leaders beyond official denominational structures to sign. I invite you to sign the Citizen's Pledge and return the sign-on form to me. Also, would you be willing to help me get other prominent Southern Baptist leaders who favor nuclear abolition to sign the Pledge? This could occur either through your direct contact with them or by supplying me a list of names and addresses to write to. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Citizen's Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as

35 religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They will release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to have the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then. Therefore, I will greatly appreciate your assistance at this time. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

36 July 11, 1996 To: Leaders of Religious Peace Fellowships From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair During the last several months I have been getting heads of communion to sign the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition. The results so far are shown on an enclosure. In several denominations bishops and area executives are now being invited to sign. Now we want to broaden the base and invite religious leaders beyond official denominational structures to sign. I invite you to sign the Citizen's Pledge and return the sign-on form to me. In addition, I would appreciate your assistance in obtaining the signatures of prominent leaders of your denomination beyond those who have already signed. This could occur either through your direct contact with them or by supplying me a list of names and addresses to write to. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Citizen's Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They will release the names in September as the

37 UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to have the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then. Therefore, I will greatly appreciate your assistance at this time. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

38 July 18, 1996 Dr. Jonathan Granoff Lawyers Alliance for World Security 401 City Avenue, Suite 612 Bala Cynwyd, PA Dear Jon: During the last several months I have been getting heads of religious communions to sign the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition. The results so far are shown on an enclosure. In several denominations bishops and area executives are now being invited to sign. Now we want to broaden the base and invite religious leaders beyond official denominational structures to sign. I invite you to sign the Citizen's Pledge and return the sign-on form to me. In addition, I would appreciate your assistance in obtaining the signatures of other religious leaders you know, such as those associated with the Temple of Understanding. This could occur either through your direct contact with them or by supplying me a list of names and addresses to write to. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Citizen's Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get

39 at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They will release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to have the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then. Therefore, I will greatly appreciate your assistance at this time. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

40 July 25, 1996 FAX MESSAGE To: Lachlan Forrow, MD, Chair, Board of Directors International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War Fax: From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Fax: Board of Directors Dear Dr. Forrow: I appreciate receiving your communication via Peace Action regarding my ideas on nuclear abolition. We are heavily engaged in mobilizing the religious community in the United States to work together for nuclear abolition. We are working both with official denomination offices and with unofficial peace fellowships, many of them pacifist in orientation. We are doing this as part of the broader U.S. Nuclear Abolition Network, which is linked with the international Abolition 2000 movement. We are circulating the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition, developed by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and signed by nobel laureates. We've obtain signatures from a number heads of communion and are now seeking signatures

41 from bishops, other area executives, and other religious leaders. So far we have signatures from leaders of the National Council of Churches; American Baptist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal, and United Methodist Churches; the historic peace churches (Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite); and also Catholic Jewish leaders. Others are expected. The religious network has developed a packet of information to encourage bell ringing and religious observance when the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. We will circulate this as soon as we know the treaty is approved in Geneva. We will then do what we can to mobilize observances around the country. In the future we hope to have delegations of religious leaders call upon the White House and Pentagon to make the case for nuclear abolition. We intend to work with IPPNW and other organizations as we continue the pursuit of nuclear abolition. Attached is a sample of statements from religious denominations, indicating their support for elimination of nuclear weapons.

42 August 3, 1996 Rabbi Philip Bentley, President Jewish Peace Fellowship Temple Solom Union Turnpike Floral Park, NY Dear Rabbi Bentley: I am pleased with the relationship we have established with you and others from the Jewish Peace Fellowship to work together for nuclear weapons abolition. David Gracie has told me of the help you provided in developing material to celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in September (if the treaty is indeed agreed upon by then). As another part of this campaign, we are continuing to seek signatures for the Citizen's Pledge to work for nuclear abolition, which you have signed. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They intend to release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed.

43 I have promised to help obtain the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in obtaining more signers from the Jewish community. I am giving particular attention to Methodists, and others are reaching out in other denominations. Enclosed is a fresh copy of the Citizen's Pledge, a list of religious signers, and three versions of a sign-on form for your choice: one with our name and address, a second with a neutral name and address, and a third with a blank space in case you want signers to return the form to you. Thanks for your assistance. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

44 August 8, 1996 Ms. Mia Adjali United Methodist Women'w Division 777 United Nations Plaza New York, NY Dear Mia: In our work for nuclear abolition, we are continuing to seek signatures for the enclosed Citizen's Pledge. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They intend to release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to help obtain the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then and would greatly appreciate your assistance. Will you sign? Can you get Randy Nugent and one or more officers of United Methodist Women to sign? Does Church Women have an interested in this issue? If so, can you suggest a contact? And you may have some other ideas.

45 Along with the Citizen's Pledge, I am enclosing a sign-on form and a listing of religious leaders who have signed so far. If you have any questions, please call me. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

46 August 8, 1996 Ms. Robin Ringler United Methodist General Board of Church and Society 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC Dear Robin: In our work for nuclear abolition, we are continuing to seek signatures for the enclosed Citizen's Pledge. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They intend to release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to help obtain the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then and would greatly appreciate your assistance. Will you sign? Can you get Thom Fassett to sign? Can you unofficially suggest some of the better known members of the General Board of Church and Society who we might invite to sign? And you may have some other ideas.

47 Along with the Citizen's Pledge, I am enclosing a sign-on form and a listing of religious leaders who have signed so far. If you have any questions, please call me. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

48 August 8, 1996 Mr. David Robinson Pax Christi USA 814 E. 10th Street Erie, PA Dear David: In our work for nuclear abolition, we are continuing to seek signatures for the enclosed Citizen's Pledge. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which developed the Pledge and got Nobel laureates to sign, is trying to get at least 100 persons in each of a number of fields, such as religion, science, business, entertainment, and others, to join the signers. They intend to release the names in September as the UN General Assembly convenes and hopefully the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is signed. I have promised to help obtain the names of 100 or more religious leaders by then and would greatly appreciate your assistance. I realized that last Pax Christi USA gathered signatures for the Citizen's Pledge and turned them in to the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, but unfortunately the latter has no record of the names. Could you, therefore, in the next few weeks gather some fresh signatures from some leading

49 Catholics, say, 15 to 20, or as many more as you are inclined. Along with a fresh copy of the Citizen's Pledge, I am enclosing a sign-on form and a listing of religious leaders who have signed so far. The sign-on form leaves space for your address. If you have any questions, please call me. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

50 September 3, 1996 President Bill Clinton The White House Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: I appreciate your letter acknowledging my reflections on my visit to Hiroshima and my observations on the need to achieve global nuclear abolition. I also appreciate the work of your administration in working out the final language of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), even though India blocked unanimous approval at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. We understand that Australia will place the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty before the United Nations General Assembly on September 9. We urge you to give full support and to use the influence of the United States to gain the support of other nations. If the General Assembly gives prompt approval of the CTBT, it is likely that it will be open for signature by heads of state attending the next session of the UN General Assembly, commencing September 23. We urge you to use that occasion in three ways:

51 (1) Acknowledge and praise the completion of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty after many years of effort; (2) Reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and especially to Article VI which commits the United States and other nations to negotiations for nuclear disarmament; and (3) Invite all nuclear weapon states and other concerned nations promptly to commence negotiations for a Global Nuclear Abolition Convention that provides for the phased elimination of all nuclear weapons within a timebound framework with provisions for effective verification and enforcement. We can assure you that we and many other organizations will fully support you as you provide leadership for the next step beyond the CTBT: negotiations to achieve global nuclear abolition. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

52 September 3, 1996 Ms. Melanne Verveer Office of the First Lady The White House Washington, DC Dear Melanne: Thanks for getting to President Clinton my letter on nuclear abolition. Significantly or coincidentally his letter of acknowledgement was dated August 6 -- Hiroshima Day. I would greatly appreciate your channeling my follow-up letter to his attention. It deals with the opportunity to achieve United Nations approval of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and to use the occasion of signing the treaty to make a commitment for further action toward global nuclear abolition. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

53 September 5, 1996 Dear Peace with Justice Advocate: There is a good prospect that the United Nations General Assembly will adopt a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty within the next two weeks. This is an action recommended many times over the years by resolutions of the United Methodist General Conference. If the General Assembly acts promptly, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is likely to be signed the week of September 23. This will be a moment for rejoicing and looking ahead toward further action in the quest for global nuclear abolition. As part of this commemoration, a Bell Toll Project has been developed, as described in the enclosed Action Alert. Further information is available in an organizing packet, including suggestions for interfaith services. Will you please disseminate this information to persons in your conference who will want to be involved in this opportunity for celebration and rededication. Time is short because only in the last few days have we known

54 that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty will come before the United Nations General Assembly on September 9. Persons planning bell tolling and other commemorative events will need to follow the news or contact one of the sources indicated in the Action Alert to find out the exact time of the treaty signing, or whether there is a delay in ratification. I am also available as a source of information. We greatly appreciate your support for this effort. With best regards, Howard W. Hallman Chair, Board of Directors

55 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 12, 1996 To: David Cortright Fourth Freedom Forum Fax: No. of pages: 3 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear David: Here is a list of religious leaders I have invited to come to the Citizens Signing Ceremony or send a representative. I'll follow up with phone calls next week. You can share this list with the New York organizers if you want to. I would like to know who is working out the schedule of signers so that I Also,

56 can make direct contact. As soon as the precise language of the statement or pledge is finalized, please send me a copy. With best regards,

57 FAX MESSAGE September 16, 1996 To: Rev. Thom White Wolf Fassett, General Secretary United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Fax: From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Dear Thom: Last week the United Nations General Assembly by a vote of approved the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Those of us who have worked for decades to achieve this objective can rejoice. An official treaty signing ceremony will occur at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, September 24. We are working with a number of organizations to have a Citizens Signing Ceremony to occur on the same day as the official signing ceremony. It will take place at 8:00 a.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe on 57th Street in New York City. Participants will sign a simple statement commemorating the achievement

58 of the comprehensive test ban and pledging to work for further actions leading to global abolition of nuclear weapons. Upon behalf of the organizers of this event, I invite you to participate in the Citizens Signing Ceremony or to designate someone else to represent the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society. You or your representative then may want to participate in a discussion of strategies for nuclear abolition, which will take place at the Church Center for The United Nations from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on September 24. If you are willing to participate or send a representative, please let me know. I can be reached by phone or fax at If you need other information, please call me. With best regards, cc. Robin Ringler

59 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: Robin Ringler Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Robin: I want to share with you a fax I sent Thom Fassett. have any questions. Give me a call if you With best regards,

60 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: Mark Brown Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Mark: I want to share with you a fax invitation I sent to Bishop Anderson about a Citizens Signing Ceremony that will take place in New York on September 24, the day heads of state sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Since I wrote, the event has been scheduled for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24 at the Hard Rock Cafe, 211 W. 5th Street. The expectation is that signers will represent a variety of organizations which

61 have worked for the CTB and want to move on toward nuclear abolition. I will check with Bishop Anderson's office to see whether ELCA might be represented, but I want to keep you informed because we have previously discussed this topic.

62 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: Bishop McKinley Young, Chief Ecumenical Officer African Methodist Episcopal Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Bishop Young: The Citizens Signing Ceremony related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and nuclear abolition has been set for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, It will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, 221 W. 57th Street in New York City. Signers will include representatives of religious denominations and a variety of citizen organizations. A draft copy of the statement to be signed is attached.

63 After the signing there will be a walk to the United Nations. From 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon there will be a forum discussing strategies to achieve nuclear abolition. It will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza. We hope that a representative of the African Methodist Episcopal Church can be represented at the signing, and also at the forum. You can contact me by phone or fax at if you need further information. With best regards,

64 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Rev. Kirkpatrick: The Citizens Signing Ceremony related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and nuclear abolition, about which I wrote you last week, has been set for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, It will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, 221 W. 57th Street in New York City. Signers will include representatives of religious denominations and a variety of citizen organizations. A draft copy of the statement to be signed is attached.

65 After the signing there will be a walk to the United Nations. From 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon there will be a forum discussing strategies to achieve nuclear abolition. It will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza. We hope that a representative of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can participate in the signing, and also in the forum. You can contact me by phone or fax at if you need further information. With best regards, cc. Bill Peterson

66 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: The Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson, Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Dr. Anderson: The Citizens Signing Ceremony related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and nuclear abolition, about which I wrote you last week, has been set for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, It will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, 221 W. 57th Street in New York City. Signers will include representatives of religious denominations and a variety of citizen organizations. A draft copy of the statement to be signed is attached.

67 After the signing there will be a walk to the United Nations. From 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon there will be a forum discussing strategies to achieve nuclear abolition. It will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza. We hope that a representative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America can participate in the signing, and also in the forum. You can contact me by phone or fax at if you need further information. With best regards,

68 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Hamm, General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Dr. Hamm: I was glad to meet you personally at the Call to Renewal conference last Friday. The Citizens Signing Ceremony related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and nuclear abolition, which we discussed, has been set for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, It will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, 221 W. 57th Street in New York City. Signers will include representatives of religious denominations and a variety of citizen organizations. A draft copy of the statement to be signed is attached.

69 After the signing there will be a walk to the United Nations. From 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon there will be a forum discussing strategies to achieve nuclear abolition. It will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 UN Plaza. We hope that a representative of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can participate in the signing, and also in the forum. You can contact me by phone or fax at if you need further information. With best regards,

70 METHODISTS UNITED FOR PEACE WITH JUSTICE th Street, NW Washington, DC FAX TRANSMITTAL MEMO Date: September 16, 1996 To: Nancy Small Pax Christi USA Fax: No. of pages: 2 From: Howard W. Hallman, Chair Board of Directors Voice/Fax: Dear Nancy: The Citizens Signing Ceremony related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and nuclear abolition, which we discussed at the Call to Renewal conference, has been set for 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, It will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe, 221 W. 57th Street in New York City. Signers will include representatives of religious denominations and a variety of citizen organizations. A draft copy of the statement to be signed is attached.