*This post is part of our “Faith in Action: Moral Courage for a Nuclear-Free Future” series
By Danny Hall, Lead Capitol Hill Representative & Faith Community Outreach Coordinator for Back from the Brink
At the heart of American democracy stands a fundamental truth: power must be balanced by integrity. This truth was echoed on Wednesday, April 23 at the Faithful Witness Wednesday Vigil held in the shadow of the Capitol, where faith leaders, advocates, and concerned citizens gathered to call upon Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority and act with moral courage. Organized by the Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC), this weekly vigil has become a sacred space for truth-telling—where people of diverse backgrounds unite in prayer and solidarity to hold our leaders accountable.
For me, this work is deeply personal—not just as an advocate, but as a Buddhist practitioner in the Soka Gakkai Nichiren tradition. My faith teaches that every individual has the capacity to manifest profound courage, wisdom, and compassion through their actions, and that transformation begins with ordinary people standing up for peace and justice. The teachings of the Lotus Sutra emphasize the infinite dignity of life and the interconnectedness of all beings—values that speak to the moral imperative to abolish nuclear weapons, man-made instruments of mass destruction and violence capable of ending humanity and threatening all we cherish.
My journey into nuclear abolition began shortly after graduating from college in Southern California. Like many recent graduates, I was searching for direction—uncertain of the path ahead but eager to find a purpose that resonated beyond myself. In that search, I stumbled upon the 40 peace proposals of Daisaku Ikeda. His writings framed the abolition of nuclear weapons not simply as a policy issue but as a moral imperative rooted in the dignity of life. His words shook something within me. I realized that eliminating nuclear weapons was more than a political struggle—it was an opportunity for personal transformation and a chance to connect with others across the world striving for the same ideals. Nuclear abolition is not just a cause; it is a force that gives meaning to our lives, ensuring that all other pursuits for good can thrive without the shadow of nuclear threats.
That conviction led me to Capitol Hill, where I now advocate for legislative action with Back from the Brink. On Wednesday, I stood among esteemed faith leaders—including Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune of the National Council of Churches USA, José Santos (Woss) Moreno of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and many others—to call on Congress to rise to the challenges of our time.
These challenges are made even more urgent by the erosion of congressional leadership and authority—the dangerous ceding of power to executive overreach. Article 1 of the Constitution entrusts Congress with the power to legislate, deliberate, and act as the voice of the people. When Congress fails to exercise its moral courage and uphold its constitutional responsibilities, democracy is weakened, and decisions that shape our lives, our future, and our security fall into the hands of a few. Nowhere is this threat clearer than in the realm of nuclear policy.
The unchecked power to order the use of nuclear weapons—capable of erasing entire nations—is a stark example of executive overreach that silences the collective voice of the people. Article 1 of the Constitution makes clear that only Congress can declare war and any use of nuclear weapons is without question of a declaration of war. Nuclear abolition and the fight to restore Congressional authority are inseparable struggles against the concentration of power. Both demand the courage to say, “Enough.” Both seek to uphold the sanctity of human life and dignity. If Congress cedes its authority on matters of war and peace, the fate of millions rests on unilateral decision-making rather than democratic deliberation.
Against this backdrop, the newly introduced McGovern-Tokuda resolution (H. Res. 317) offers a transformative framework to confront these challenges. More than a legislative initiative, it is a bold declaration that nuclear weapons threaten, rather than secure, our collective future. They do not make us safe. The resolution complements existing arms control efforts, such as the Foster resolution (H. Res. 100), by calling for negotiations with Russia and China while simultaneously advocating broader disarmament policies. It explicitly opposes nuclear testing, supports the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), and prioritizes a just economic transition for communities impacted by the nuclear weapons industry.
Beyond arms control, the resolution also tackles the devastating legacy of nuclear weapons spending. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the United States allocated over $110 billion to nuclear programs—funds that could have been used to expand healthcare, education, and housing access instead. Co-sponsoring and actively advocating for legislation such as H Res. 317 is an act of courage – a way for any member of Congress to demonstrate true leadership in addressing this existential threat.
At the Faithful Witness Vigil, we did more than speak truth to power—we made a moral demand that Congress rise to the occasion. Mahayana Buddhism teaches that just as fire is produced from wood, the light of wisdom is born from adversity. We are living through a moment of profound crisis—but this crisis carries the potential for transformation. We are the fire that will illuminate the path forward, turning fear into hope and inaction into bold steps toward peace.
Now is the time for Congress to reclaim its authority—not as a divided body beholden to political convenience, but as a unified force for peace and justice. Now is the time to reject policies rooted in militarism and fear and embrace a path toward nuclear disarmament and collective security.
As Nichiren wrote, “Winter always turns to spring.” At the Faithful Witness Vigil, we planted the seeds of that spring—a season of renewal, courage, and accountability. Together, we will continue to bear witness. Together, we will ensure that history looks back on this moment not as one of resignation, but as one of awakening.
Let us press forward. Let us be the faithful witnesses that this moment demands. Let us act with courage, together.
🎥 See Danny Hall speak at the Faithful Witness Wednesday Vigil on April 23, 2025.
*Faith in Action: Moral Courage for a Nuclear-Free Future
Faith traditions have long stood at the forefront of movements for peace, justice, and the sanctity of life. In this blog series, “Faith in Action: Moral Courage for a Nuclear-Free Future” we explore how people of faith are responding to the moral and existential crisis posed by nuclear weapons. Through reflections, event recaps, and contributions from our interfaith partners, this series offers a space for spiritual voices calling for disarmament—and a reminder that confronting the threat of nuclear annihilation is not just a political issue, but a deeply human and moral one.
While Back from the Brink is a secular campaign, we are proud to stand in solidarity with faith-based partners who see nuclear abolition as both a spiritual imperative and a call to justice. Together, we bear witness—and take action—for a future free from nuclear weapons.
If you’re part of a faith group that’s interested in getting involved with Back from the Brink, you can reach out to Danny Hall at danny@preventnuclearwar.org.
