From the World Council of Churches

A statement issued by the 4th Global Inter-religious Conference on Article 9 has been received with appreciation by the World Council of Churches (WCC). The statement urges faith communities in Japan, Korea and other Asian countries to form national working groups to help implement activities in support of the nonviolent intent of Article 9 in the Japanese Constitution. Adopted as part of the constitution in 1947, following the Second World War, the clause outlaws war as a means for Japan to resolve international disputes.

The statement issued on 5 December in Tokyo, Japan, stresses that revisions in the peace constitution of Japan could bring instability in the Asian region and beyond. It encourages the conference participants to raise awareness in their communities about the importance of Article 9, and support reaffirmation of Article 9 by communicating with their governments.

In addition, it calls all nations to abstain from and reject military solutions to political conflicts and diplomatic challenges.

The statement invites faith communities to dedicate a time of prayer as a gesture to raise awareness about Article 9 on 21 September 2015, the International Day for Peace.

“We expect Japan to follow Article Nine. We are convinced of the power of Japan’s positive example to influence the conduct of other states,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, who participated in the Tokyo conference.

“More and more religious leaders must rally around this pillar for peace, in Asia and beyond,” said Tveit, highlighting the role of religious communities in peace-building.

The statement has recommended that the WCC consider hosting an interfaith conference on Article 9, as part of its “pilgrimage of justice and peace” - a call from the WCC Busan Assembly in 2013.

The Global Inter-religious Conference on Article 9 has gathered some 120 participants from Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Australia, Congo, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and the USA.

Statement from the Tokyo conference on Article 9

WCC general secretary expresses concern over Article 9 of the Japanese constitution (WCC news release of 4 December 2014)

WCC statement on the Re-interpretation of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution

WCC member churches in Japan