UK Baptists oppose replacement of Trident
-15/11/06
The Baptist Union of Great Britain
UK Baptists oppose replacement of Trident
-15/11/06
The Baptist Union of Great Britain Council (BUGB) has passed a resolution opposing the replacement of Britainís Trident nuclear weapons system, and called upon the British Government to take a lead in disarmament negotiations.
It is the latest church to express its opposition to a replacement to Trident, and follows campaigns and statements from several denominations and church leaders.
The debate, which took place on Monday 13 November at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, highlighted the ‘fundamental moral and ethical reasons’ for advocating the non-replacement of Trident, as well as addressing financial concerns.
In passing the resolution, BUGB joins other church traditions in declaring its opposition to the replacement of Trident. It encourages local churches to facilitate debate on this crucial issue and to contact local MPs to express opposition to replacement.
BUGB Head of Faith & Unity, the Revd Graham Sparkes said: “It is a complex issue and there are arguments to be made on all sides. But in the end the church must resist politics based on fear and intimidation, and dare to seek ways that resist violence and create peace.”
During the course of the debate, particular concern was expressed for local communities, which would be most affected by any decision not to replace Trident (particularly Barrow in Furness). The BUGB urged the Government to give all necessary support and help to such communities.
Around 2,150 churches belong to the Baptist Union of Great Britain, each of them self-funding and the majority of them financially independent.
The Baptist Union Council meets every March and November at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick in Derbyshire. It consists of some 200 members mostly drawn from Baptist churches, associations, colleges and co-opted delegates.
UK Baptists oppose replacement of Trident
-15/11/06
The Baptist Union of Great Britain Council (BUGB) has passed a resolution opposing the replacement of Britainís Trident nuclear weapons system, and called upon the British Government to take a lead in disarmament negotiations.
It is the latest church to express its opposition to a replacement to Trident, and follows campaigns and statements from several denominations and church leaders.
The debate, which took place on Monday 13 November at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, highlighted the ‘fundamental moral and ethical reasons’ for advocating the non-replacement of Trident, as well as addressing financial concerns.
In passing the resolution, BUGB joins other church traditions in declaring its opposition to the replacement of Trident. It encourages local churches to facilitate debate on this crucial issue and to contact local MPs to express opposition to replacement.
BUGB Head of Faith & Unity, the Revd Graham Sparkes said: “It is a complex issue and there are arguments to be made on all sides. But in the end the church must resist politics based on fear and intimidation, and dare to seek ways that resist violence and create peace.”
During the course of the debate, particular concern was expressed for local communities, which would be most affected by any decision not to replace Trident (particularly Barrow in Furness). The BUGB urged the Government to give all necessary support and help to such communities.
Around 2,150 churches belong to the Baptist Union of Great Britain, each of them self-funding and the majority of them financially independent.
The Baptist Union Council meets every March and November at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick in Derbyshire. It consists of some 200 members mostly drawn from Baptist churches, associations, colleges and co-opted delegates.