Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sendai (Agenzia Fides) - "We must look ahead and think with a sense of responsibility to future generations: we have an ethical obligation and moral duty to protect the environment and their own lives. For this reason it is urgent to stop nuclear power and invest in alternative energy sources" this is what His Exc. Mgr Isao Kikuchi, SVD, Bishop of Niigata and President of the Asian Division of Caritas Internationalis says to Fides, presenting the new document published today by the Episcopal Conference of Japan, entitled: "End nuclear Energy now: Coming to terms with the tragic disaster of the Fukushima Daiichi accident". The document was published at the conclusion of the Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Japan held in Sendai in past days, the diocese most affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March, in whose territory we find the Fukushima power Plant.
The Bishops, addressing the government and Nipponese citizens, ask in the document "an immediate end to nuclear power generation", inviting them to develop "alternative means to produce safe energy", to plug a gap to any energy deficit that the nation should face. The message recalls that in the country there are 54 nuclear power plants and in all there is "the great danger of another accident like Fukushima", appealing "to the culture and wisdom that are typical of the Japanese people".
Mgr. Kikuchi explains to Fides: "After the disaster of Fukushima a reflection is required. We ask our fellow citizens to change and simplify the style of life. Today the majority of the population shares the concern for the negative effects of nuclear power. Others think that changing the lives of an entire country is impossible, therefore, one cannot stop the power plants. Among Bishops we have discussed this, perhaps we will have some criticism, but the reality is that the most precious thing is the protection of life and the preservation of creation. We have a duty to say this".
The Bishop concludes: "We ask the government to invest more on new energy sources such as solar energy. Of course, our document is not political but religious and social. We are confident in the support of believers of all religions". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/11/2011)
