The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by 122 countries in New York on 7 July and will open for signature by UN member states on 20 September.

“The devastating consequences of nuclear weapons are clear to everyone,” President McMillan said.

“Throughout our 40 year history the Uniting Church in Australia has always advocated strongly for nuclear disarmament, and we will continue to do so.

“As Christians, we are called to find peaceful solutions to conflict and overcome violence for a world reconciled in Christ.”

“Nuclear weapons must be completely eliminated to ensure they are never used again.”

Countries that sign the treaty will be prohibited from developing, producing, testing and stockpiling nuclear weapons.

Supporters are hopeful that nuclear-armed countries will sign on in the face of public pressure.

The Uniting Church in Australia is a partner organisation to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which has worked on this campaign for over a decade.