Methodist Church Objects Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater

The largest religious organisation in Fiji has objected to Japan’s controversial dumping of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from its tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichii Nuclear Power Plant.

Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma executives are expected to put together a letter, which calls on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to reconsider his decision.

It is a national issue, said the church’s outgoing president, Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.

Reverend Vunisuwai made the comments after church members enormously agreed at its annual conference, last week.

“It is important for the church to voice our concern,” he said.

On August 3, Mr Rabuka publicly announced his support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report that outlined the discharge of nuclear waste water.

Mr Rabuka said the IAEA report was reassuring enough to dispel any fears of degradation of the ocean environment that would adversely affect life and ecosystems in our blue pacific.

He was satisfied that Japan had demonstrated commitment to satisfy the wishes of Pacific Island states about its plans to discharge wastewater from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant.

Despite a march, rally, and several calls not to give the greenlight, Mr Rabuka strongly stands by his decision.

“I will see that letter,” he said yesterday.

“I am a member of the Methodist Church, and it has the right to voice concerns to me as a member.”

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