The below quoted text is describes one Action Issue our congregation will vote on. The source of this information comes from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations web site. For more information click to http://uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/index.shtml. - Marco
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Proposed CSAI-2 (2008-2012)
Issue: Should the Unitarian Universalist Association work with other faith communities to advocate a dramatic reduction in the world’s nuclear weapons inventories, primarily those of the United States and Russia, in favor of reinvigorated nuclear arms control agreements and principles, such as those embodied in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty?
Background and Reasons for Study: Two hundred well-placed nuclear weapons could drive civilized society back to the Stone Age. Each of these weapons can kill more than 100,000 in populated and targeted areas. The Nunn-Lugar Act, funded by Congress in 1994, allows money to be spent to help Russia stabilize its large number of unsecured weapons materials facilities and to identify, destroy, and dispose of a portion of its nuclear weapons.
Significance to Unitarian Universalism: Russia and the United Sates and by the national policies that appear to provide in perpetuity for the maintenance of large numbers of nuclear weapons. Advocacy of a position against nuclear weaponry is highly consistent with UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) principles, which show support and respect for the interdependent web of all life and for the goal of world peace.
Possible Study Questions
- What is the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, and what is the United States policy on nuclear weapons?
- At present, who are those engaged in nuclear proliferation, and what are the prospects of using diplomacy to reduce the threat of use of weapons of mass destruction?
- How much nuclear deterrence is enough; and how did we get to the point of having the level of nuclear bombs and weapons that we have?
- Could a mutual reduction be encouraged and negotiated? If so, by what factor might it be possible to reduce the “overkill” potential of the United States and Russian nuclear arsenals for mutually assured destruction?
- What actions might make nuclear weapons reduction possible politically, and how long would it take to accomplish such a reduction under different scenarios of funding and political support?
- What is the Nunn-Lugar Act, and what have its accomplishments been? What level of funding has been provided for this Act, and what can be accomplished with the amount currently requested and authorized?
Possible Actions
- Form a nuclear weapons study group and become familiar with reliable sources of information.
- Appoint study group members or experts to report to the congregation on the various study questions at congregational forums.
- Promote adoption at district meetings of non-proliferation and anti-nuclear arms control statements of policy and conscience.
- Form a social action group to develop informed opinions to lobby politicians and to write letters to the editors of local papers (individually or on behalf of the social action group).
- Collaborate with district or area congregations in offering study opportunities and forums.
Related Prior Social Witness Statements
From 1961 to 1986 there were twenty-seven Unitarian Universalist resolutions of various kinds that included a nuclear weapons component. Nineteen of these were specifically concerned with nuclear weapons. The most representative and recent resolutions are:
- Maintaining the SALT II and ABM Treaties (General Resolution 1986)
- Nuclear Free Zone (General Resolution 1985)
- Mutual Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban (General Resolution 1985)
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