The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response

The landmark prophetic call to conscience in an age of nuclear conflict.

“We are the first generation since Genesis, with the power to virtually destroy God's creation. We cannot remain silent in the face of such danger.” —The Challenge of Peace, 331

When it was released more than forty years ago, The New York Times reported that many U.S. Catholics considered the bishops' action in The Challenge of Peace to be “the boldest and most decisive step on social issues in the history of the American hierarchy.”

With striking moral clarity, this landmark pastoral letter from the U.S. bishops ignited national debate, got the attention of the White House, and inspired Catholics across the country to examine their consciences and act with courage.

Now available once again, The Challenge of Peace addresses nuclear deterrence, the arms race, and the ethical limits of military force—all as urgent today as they were four decades ago.

This new edition includes:

• A beautifully redesigned cover featuring sacred art that reflects the letter’s timeless message
• Color-coded tabs with paragraph numbers for quick reference and easy navigation
• Thoughtfully formatted pages for enhanced readability and a more inviting reading experience
• A concise summary that introduces the document’s origin, audience, and purpose within the Church’s mission
• The complete, official text from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, faithfully presented

Part of The USCCB Collection from Ascension, this edition presents the Church’s voice on peace with renewed clarity, beauty, and urgency.