NO-NUKE Q&A - Introduction - What the church says about nuclear power

Oct 7, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw

NO-NUKE Q&A presents a Christian Q&A on nuclear power generation prepared by The Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation (NSKK). It frames concerns around the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown, noting ongoing radiation exposure for affected residents and children. The booklet reviews the church’s motivation to address nuclear power as a threat to God-given life, discusses core nuclear topics, and encourages constructive discussion grounded in the Christian Gospel.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background after Fukushima (2011)

Why the church addresses nuclear power

Q&A overview

NO-NUKE Q&A Published by The Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation, the Anglican-Episcopal Church in Japan Editor-in-chief of the original Japanese: Masaharu Kawata, The Association to Help Chernobyl, Chubu, Japan Translated from the original Japanese by Heeday 1st English edition edited by Louise Watson 2nd English edition edited by Rev. Dr. Henry French (ELCA) 【Introduction】 Things we should keep in mind— “For a World Without Nuclear Power Plants -The Anglican/Episcopal Church in Japan Opposed to Nuclear Power Generation” (A resolution of the 59th General Synod of Nippon Sei Ko Kai [The Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan], May 23rd, 2012 .) As of the writing of the Japanese edition of this second edition, three and a half years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, where a meltdown occurred at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (“Fukushima I”) . Little improvement has been seen during these years in the circumstances of those affected by the calamities. Most of the victims, especially those evacuated from the areas adjacent to the nuclear plant, are still unable to return to their homelands. Residents who remain in areas close to the power plant, particularly children, are still continuously exposed to the hazard of radiation. Japan’s government, power companies, and its mass media claim that the meltdown is an accident of the past. They are even saying that radiation exposure should not cause serious harm, while insisting that with additional safety measures in place, nuclear power is not only safe but indispensable to Japan’s economic growth. Such voices are gaining momentum. Should we let such sentiments go unchallenged? In 2012, The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK) published a statement entitled “For a World Without Nuclear Power Plants –The Anglican/Episcopal Church in Japan Opposed to Nuclear Power Generation.” The statement clarified many of the issues involved in nuclear power. The church took no particular political stance, but firmly stood on its vital mission which was to protect “lives”created and given by God. This statement, however, has yet to be fully communicated to the church’s clergy and laity. It is only natural to have a wide array of opinions on the same issue within the church. Some individuals might not be opposed to nuclear power. Regardless, further discussion is necessary for us to consider among ourselves what the Christian Gospel says about this matter which affects so many people. From this perspective, the statement is of importance to the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK) . The Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation, NSKK, has prepared this second edition of its Q&A booklet, which is a collection of common questions concerning nuclear power generation. We hope this Q&A will initiate constructive discussions on the issue among readers. Rev. Akira Iwaki, Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation, NSKK In this Q&A, we will address the following questions and issues 1. Why does the church take up nuclear power as an issue? 1 2. What was happening at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi on March 11th, 2011? 2 3. Does nuclear energy alleviate global warming? 4 4. What is the essence of nuclear power generation? (“The Peaceful use of 5 nuclear energy” – is it possible?) Diagram of a nuclear power plant (boiling water reactor) 8 Diagram of a nuclear power plant (pressurized water reactor) 8 5. Where do nuclear fuels come from? What is happening there? 9 6. What happens to all the nuclear waste? 10 7. Are nuclear power plants safe, unless they are hit by an earthquake or 12 tsunami? 8. Is nuclear power really cheaper in comparison? 14 Comparison of power generation costs (pro forma calculation by Professor 16 Oshima) . 9. If a power company runs into the red, will we have a power rate hike? 17 10. Do nuclear power plants create jobs and revitalize depopulated 18 communities? 11. Voices from the contamina

FAQs

Why does the church take up nuclear power as an issue?

Because nuclear power affects “lives” and the physical world God has created. The text argues that Christians should oppose threats to life and livelihood, reflecting baptismal vows that renounce corrupting evil powers.

What happened at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi on March 11, 2011?

The meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi is described as occurring after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. The booklet emphasizes that the situation for many affected people has not improved much.

What key problems does the General Synod statement highlight about nuclear power?

It highlights that nuclear power threatens God-given life, destroys nature created by God, and destroys God-given livelihood, calling for major transformation of energy policies.

Oct 7, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw