Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan's Statement on Weapons, April 2016

Now especially, peace must not depend upon weapons: Regarding the enforcement of the security laws, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan's Statement on Weapons, April 7, 2016

On March 29, 2016, new national security laws came into effect in Japan, allowing expanded military cooperation and collective self-defense. The bishops call for reflection on these laws in light of the Church’s mission for peace and the ideals of Japan’s pacifist Constitution.

Past Statements

• The bishops previously opposed the 2014 Cabinet decision recognizing the right to collective self-defense, calling it a major problem that undermines constitutional principles and decades of postwar pacifism.
• They reaffirm their earlier message marking the 70th anniversary of WWII: “Peace must not depend upon weapons.”

Church’s Mission for Peace

• The Church cannot remain silent when human life and dignity are threatened.
• Speaking out on such issues is not a violation of church-state separation; bishops have a duty to act on matters of faith and morals (cf. Gaudium et Spes 75–76).
• Their stance is rooted in remorse for the Church’s wartime attitude and the experience of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Constitution and Renunciation of War

• Japan’s Constitution enshrines pacifism, especially Article 9, which renounces war and prohibits military force.
• Current reinterpretations and moves to amend the Constitution (including emergency provisions) threaten these ideals.
• For Christians, renouncing war is a Gospel imperative; peace is built on love and respect, not military deterrence (Gaudium et Spes 78).

Collective Self-Defense

• Allowing collective self-defense risks involving Japan in foreign conflicts, violating Article 9.
• It promotes militarization and an arms race, undermining efforts for genuine peace.
• The bishops question whether peace can ever be secured through military force.

Call to Action

• Japan stands at a crossroads: empathy for WWII suffering is fading.
• The bishops urge prayer, dialogue, and trust—not weapons—to build peace.
• They warn against repeating past mistakes and stress that peace must be pursued through mutual understanding, not force.

Now-especially-peace-must-not-depend-upon-weapons-20160425.pdf