Church and Peace, an ecumenical network of peace organizations in Europe that includes several Anabaptist organizations, celebrated in January when the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons became official.

The threshold of 50 ratifications by United Nations member states was reached in October and entered into force 90 days later, creating binding international law.

Church and Peace members across Europe have supported the cause for many years and continue to regularly organize vigils and other events to highlight the dangers nuclear weapons pose to peace.

“It is a truly historic moment which we are witnessing now,” said Church and Peace chair Antje Heider-Rottwilm. “While we are celebrating, we are also aware that many NATO countries where our members live — such as Germany — have not yet joined the Treaty, and further efforts are urgently needed.”

Church and Peace members in Germany demonstrated Jan. 22 in Berlin to urge their nation to sign on. Members in France are encouraging citizens to press political leaders there to ratify the treaty.