The main backing for this diverse wave of humanity comes from three segments of society​—normally considered conservative, stable—​the scientific, the medical and especially the religious communities. U.S. News & World Report says: “The key force behind the American antiwar crusade consists of leaders of most of the nation’s churches.” The same is said about Europe.

Religious Community

● Roman Catholic Involvement:

Papal message on nuclear disarmament, United Nations, June 1982, states: “The teaching of the Catholic Church is clear and consistent in this area. It has deplored the arms race; it has called for the mutual, progressive and verifiable reduction of armaments.”​—United Nations General Assembly Verbatim Record.

At the “Interfaith Witness to Stop the Nuclear Arms Race” held in the city of Philadelphia, U.S.A., June 1982, Cardinal Krol “called on world governments ‘to dismantle existing nuclear weapons.’”​—The New York Times.

● Protestant Involvement:

The West German Protestant church group Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dienst für Frieden, AGDF (Action Group in the Service for Peace), was instrumental in organizing the 1981 Bonn, Germany, rally against nuclear weapons.​—The Christian Century.

The British Council of Churches has given unanimous approval to a motion supporting the World Disarmament Campaign since 1980.​—World Disarmament Campaign letter.

The national Council of Churches, American Baptist Churches, United Church of Christ and Reformed Church in America were supporters of the June 1982 nuclear freeze rally held in New York City.​—June 12 Rally Committee brochure.

● Orthodox Church Involvement:

The Romanian Orthodox Church hosted religious representatives of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths from 16 countries: “Appeal for Disarmament and Peace” convention in Bucharest during 1981. Its purpose: “We will urge them [church members] to participate more actively in the service of peace and in the hope of a peaceful future for mankind. . . . with the purpose of preventing and eliminating once and for ever the danger of a nuclear war.”​—Romanian Orthodox Church News, Quarterly Bulletin.

During May 1982 the Russian Orthodox Church sponsored the “World Conference of Religious Workers for Saving the Sacred Gift of Life From Nuclear Catastrophe” and invited 600 distinguished clergymen from around the world.​—Time magazine.

● Buddhist Involvement:

In Japan “both Buddhists and Christians are organizing many other sorts of movements [against nuclear weapons].”​—Asahi Evening News.