Anti-Nuclear Policy

In this 1992 PCT statement, it opposed nuclear energy because it was not safe. It also caused problems for the nuclear waste disposal. The PCT therefore called for the use of renewable energy and a change of life-style by reducing energy consumption. The three visitors noted that in the ecumenical movement few churches have adopted such a policy. In fact, none of the churches in North East Asia has done so. In the WCC, it has a clear statement against nuclear weapons, but it had not been able to adopt an anti-nuclear energy policy. The PCT position was hailed by the visitors to be courageous, prophetic and visionary. 

Dr. Hsu, Victor Wan-Chi

Associate General Secretaries of PCT

The basic motivation for the tripartite cooperation is the fact that there is no clear place in the Busan Assembly for dealing with the dangerous nuclear issues in a manner that is responsible especially in view of the serious problems in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It is hoped that through this cooperation the post-Busan WCC will take steps that will be commensurate with the growing problems of nuclear energy. There are signs of hope as outlined below.

Japan
Concerns continue to grow about the worrisome vulnerability of the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Latest news was that the entire complex including the other three reactors would collapse with an earthquake of 5.5 on the Richter scale.

The NNAA is proceeding with its monitoring tour in October in Tohouku. Several people from Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan are invited to attend. The NGOs are preparing to file a law suit against all the manufacturers, suppliers and the government in early November. Unfortunately the churches are not officially supporting or joining in these activities.


Korea
The civil society is ramping up its activities. For example, forty days prior to the Assembly there will be a fasting vigil. Moreover, demonstrations are being planned across the country to draw attention to the danger of nuclear plans. During the Assembly a special demonstration will be held at Jeri plant not far from Busan. This will be a “Jericho” style march around the nuclear plant. During the Assembly on the weekend a sit-in candle-light vigil is planned outside the Assembly venue, BEXCO.


Taiwan
Prof Hsu spoke about the 1991 PCT anti-nuclear statement and the numerous activities in recent years especially this past August when the government temporarily suspended the plan to proceed with a vote on approving #4. Rev. Supina Nakaisulan talked about the effect of the dumping of nuclear waste on the indigenous peoples. She recounted the history of deceit by the KMT regime in connection with the Lanyu Island being used as a dumping ground.


Agreements and Conclusions

1. The three countries will cooperate and collaborate.
2. This process will begin immediately with the preparations.
3. For coordination purposes, each country is requested to appoint a coordinator.
4. In Busan during the Assembly the three countries will continue to cooperate and collaborate.
5. At the Madang exhibitions by Tohoku HELP, by the Korea Network, and by the PCT the three countries will each reflect the concerns of the other two countries with the sharing of material and displays as appropriate. It was stressed that visual material and fliers be produced at a mass level in order to meet with the number of participants.
6. For the Madang seminar, the PCT is requested to deal with the nuclear waste issue. It is suggested that an indigenous person familiar with the nuclear waste dumping in Taiwan be invited to speak to this issue in the seminar.
7. A video presentation will be prepared to highlight and tell the key concerns of the three countries. Moreover, the video will convey the message of collaboration that has been established among the three countries.

The seminar and the handout material must be prepared with the media in mind.


For more information please contact: PCT Youth Media pcty4wcc@gmail.com