Statement of the Pacific Conference of Churches on the Japan nuclear crisis
The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) expresses its heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the people of
Japan following the recent widespread devastation caused by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that claimed the
lives of over 18,000 people.
PCC expresses grave concerns about the radiation leaks coming from the badly damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors. PCC
condemns as unacceptable the decision by the Japanese government to pump sea water to cool down the reactors which is
then returned to our Pacific Ocean. This irradiated sea water poses a lasting threat to Pacific ecosystems and the
livelihoods of island communities who depend on the marine environment for their survival and sense of identity. PCC
urges the Japanese Government to exhaust every measure to prevent any further radioactive material from entering the
Pacific Ocean.
PCC condemns the use of nuclear power stations and calls on the international community to advocate for the promotion
and adoption of clean and renewable energy. Reaffirming that “the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1), the PCC calls on all member churches to exercise its prophetic witness to speak out against harmful
technologies that destroy God’s good creation.
ENDS