In a statement released today, the Viatorians joined with nearly 40 faith communities and advocacy groups in objecting to the exorbitant amount of money spent on militaries worldwide to be an irresponsible and harmful use of global wealth.
The Global Military Expenditures Report released today by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that in 2019, countries spent $1.917 trillion on militaries. Of that, the U.S. accounted for 38% of that global military spending in 2019.
Viatorians joined 39 organizations in urging Congress to cut the Pentagon budget, and invested in things like public health instead.
“At a time when public health concerns are paramount,” the letter states, “it is unconscionable that our leaders continue to pour money into weapons and war instead of prioritizing global cooperation and investment in industries like healthcare.”
Read the full statement, drafted by the Philadelphia-based American Friends Service Committee, here.