Posted Thursday 01 March 2007
The Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, and the Bishop of Edinburgh, the Rt Rev Brian Smith, joined other church leaders and members of the public at St John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh at 1pm today for a special service of prayer against Trident Renewal.
Both Bishops have actively given their support to recent events surrounding the issue of renewal of the Trident nuclear defence system.
"The issue is not just about the nuclear range of weaponry, but about the suffering caused by the Arms Trade now" says Bishop Idris. "The Churches in Scotland have consistently spoken out against the use of nuclear armaments. A wider issue is that of the arms trade in general which generates huge sums for the economy but puts into the hands of irresponsible and brutal men weapons that they use to kill, maim and torture others."
Bishop Brian added: "It was very good that so many people were able to gather at St John's to pray for peace. Church leaders from the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church and the Society of Friends broke bread together and lit candles, expressing their concern for those who are charged with making important decisions about our future nuclear weapons strategy. Individuals present, and their congregations, were encouraged to make their views known to their representatives in Parliament."
