THE Hierarchy of England and Wales has strongly condemned the Government's decision to replace Britain's nuclear deterrent.
Meeting in London last week to discuss the reports of the National Pastoral Congress, the Bishops' Conference passed the following resolution: "The recent , decision on the Trident 1 missile system which out' Government has considered it necessary to take is a frightening reminder of present international tensions. All humanity cries out for peace and for the proper use of the world's resources. We would ask our own Government and the governments of other nations to use every means at their disposal to
check this terrible escalation of nuclear capacity before it is too 'late."
The statement was made in response to a resolution agreed by the Justice sector of the Congress on peace, disarmament and defence, Under the heading of "the morality of war", the sector asked that the Hierarchy "issue a statement supporting the British Council of Churches resolution of November 1979 which declared that the British strategic nuclear weapon system not be renewed".
The announcement by the Government that it is to spend £5,000 million on renewing Britain's nuclear defences came during the Bishop's meeting.