Actions towards peace must be based in truth telling and an openness to hearing the stories.

80 years on from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the powerful images, stories and documents that were part of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Never Again Exhibition this week visibly moved those who visited and it was a real privilege to have access this remarkable exhibition. If we are to be agents of peace, it is critical that the horrors of the impact of this is remembered.

This call to our shared humanity and compassion was further experienced through student’s workshops, afternoon round tables discussions, a Commemoration Ceremony with the Japanese Consul General, and finally an Interfaith Peace Vigil.

These opportunities to hear and discuss the issues arising from tragedy touched hearts and expanded our understanding about being agents of peace. The final Interfaith Peace Vigil enabled us to process the strong emotions from this powerful week and brought wisdom from 9 different faiths to show our combined commitment to peace.

The collective efforts of the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Just Peace exemplified the collaboration that leads to ‘bridge building’ and ignites hope for the future.

Join us as we pray for healing and peace in our world, and the courage to not turn away in discomfort when confronted with suffering.