The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) here Monday condemned as unacceptable the decision by the Japanese government to pump sea water to cool down the reactors which is then returned to the Pacific Ocean.

While expressing 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, the PCC also expressed grave concerns about the radiation leaks coming from the badly damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors.

The PCC, an organization that represents most Pacific people that are Christians, said in a statement that "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."

It urges the Japanese government to exhaust every measure to prevent any further radioactive material from entering the Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, the 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.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2011)