Franciscans are a people who proclaim the peace of Christ to the world and all its peoples. We preach and practice Gospel nonviolence after the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who himself made the poor and humble Christ his model and example. We stand opposed to war and all the works of war; and we abhor nuclear weapons, whose very existence damns all life and creation. 

With our Capuchin brothers of the Delegation of Japan, who serve primarily in Okinawa, we solemnly commemorated the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a service of morning prayer. With our prayer we say no to war and all violent conflicts around the globe; we say no to the nuclear arms race that has resumed among the nations, including our own; and we say yes to dialogue, diplomacy, and disarmament. Please join us in prayer, study, and action.