Abstract
The bishops' concern with nuclear armaments is an exercise in religious leadership and responsible citizenship. As religious leaders they speak with the conviction that God is the creator of the universe, and of all in it; that God has given us a blueprint for the successful operation of the world; that human life is sacred; that human dignity and rights are inalienable gifts of God; and that the build-up of weapons of massive, indiscriminate destruction are not in accord with God's plan. The bishops are obliged to articulate the growing concern in the world that nuclear arms and their use exceed the limits of legitimate self-defense, and that any war in which innocent noncombatants are massively destroyed is a crime against God and man, and merits unequivocal condemnation. The bishops are bound to teach that love of God and neighbor are indispensable requisites for true peace. Peace in our time will find its realization as peace with God, peace in our heart, and peace among men.
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