Tokyo (ENI)—A grouping of Japanese churches and Christian organizations has protested North Korea’s nuclear weapon test but would like to see the United States have direct negotiations with Pyongyang.  

“Possessing nuclear weapons and carrying out nuclear tests go directly against the life that has been given to human beings,” the National Christian Council in Japan said in a statement issued after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met Japanese leaders in Tokyo in October.  

The grouping representing 32 churches and ecumenical organizations urged both Japan and the U.S. to resolve the situation through peaceful diplomacy and criticized the U.S. for not entering into direct dialogue with North Korea, while also saying it opposes any move by Japan to become a nuclear power.