11 Apr 2011

Pacific church leaders speak out on impact of radiation from Japan's damaged reactor

3:22 pm on 11 April 2011

The Pacific Conference of Churches is critical of Japan for using sea water to cool the reactors at the damaged Fukushima nuclear power station.

The PCC has sent its heartfelt condolences to the people of Japan for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami.

But it's expressing grave concerns about the radiation leaks coming from the badly damaged reactors.

In a statement, it says it's unacceptable for the Japanese government to pump sea water to cool down the reactors and then return that water to the Pacific.

The PCC says this irradiated sea water poses a lasting threat to Pacific ecosystems and the livelihoods of island communities which depend on the marine environment for their survival and sense of identity.

It's called on the Japanese Government to exhaust every measure to prevent any further radioactive material from entering the Pacific Ocean.

The PCC also 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.