August 6th is an important day for the whole world to reflect on the challenge and the continuous commitment to uphold our commitment to peace. On this August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, and few days later, on August 9, 1945, the second was dropped in Nagasaki. The best image to have in mind is the comparison between trees that survived the blast in 1945 and continue to flourish today, giving us hope that peace will always win, after all.
Ginkgo trees that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima (Peace Memorial)
IAMSCU members were able to visit these sites in 2014, when IAMSCU held its international conference in Hiroshima, at the Methodist-related Hiroshima Jogakuin University and the Peace Museum located on “ground zero” of the bombing. The conference theme was “Peace, Reconciliation, and Human Rights.” Participants also attended a service held at Nagarekawa Church and saw that, although the city and the temple were destroyed, the wooden cross and the school bell remained almost intact.
Wooden cross damaged by the A-bomb in 1945, Nagarekawa Church, Hiroshima, Japan
The impressive experience, the encounter with survivors of the atomic bombing, and visits to the museum left an indelible mark on the participants in the IAMSCU conference, especially the students from various parts of the world who attended these events. Today, Nagarekawa Church continues its ministry and two Methodist-related educational institutions – now affiliated with the United Church of Christ in Japan – continue their mission and their focus on Peace Studies: Hiroshima Jogakuin University (which hosted the IAMSCU Conference) and Nagasaki Wesleyan College.
Garlands and origamis placed by students at the site of IAMSCU Conference in Hiroshima, Japan (2014)
Methodist education has a long tradition and a continuous commitment to the promotion of peace. Although peace is one of the key Christian teachings and value affirmed by many other religions and cultures, war and armed conflicts continue to be a prevalent challenge today in places such as Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, DRC, Iran, and many other locations around the world. Observing growing conflicts around the world and the continuous violence within societies, IAMSCU issued a statement on this matter in 2022, building on its principled position based on Jesus Christ’s teachings in his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers!” (Matthew 5:9).
Recently, schools, colleges, seminaries, and universities seem somewhat reticent to affirm their commitment to peace due to a fear of political retaliation. Yet many churches and organizations in the Wesleyan and Methodist traditions such as the Methodist Church in Britain and the Council of Bishops, General Board of Global Ministries, and General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church (UMC) have issued statements and promoted practices that support peace and justice around the world. Similarly, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued statements on this matter in partnership with the World Methodist Council (WMC), Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Lutheran World Federation (LWF), World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), World Methodist Council (WMC), Mennonite World Conference (MWC), Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), and ACT Alliance. These demands for peace are urgent today, especially in relation to the recent conflict in Iran, the ongoing conflict in the Korean Peninsula, and the growing belligerency around the world. The Roman Catholic Church has been very vocal in its critique of war and affirmation of peace. IAMSCU joins these voices to express its commitment to peace and justice. Moreover, it invites students, faculty, staff, leaders, and community members related to the nearly 1,000 institutions related to the association in 80 countries and 5 continents to “be peacemakers” and oppose all forms of war and violence.
A-bomb charred cross, Nagarekawa Church, Hiroshima, Japan
On this day, IAMSCU remembers the tragic events of 1945 and celebrates the resilience of the people, schools, and churches in Hiroshima. IAMSCU also reaffirms its commitment to peace, especially in light of the current armed conflicts and threats to use nuclear arms. On this day, IAMSCU members have an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to peace and celebrate the many institutions that are offering Peace Studies, Noon-Violence, Social Justice, Human Rights, and many other programs to educate their students and communities on how to be “peacemakers” today.