Always Changing, Forever Yours: Nuclear Fuel Wastes

Using United Church of Canada policies and work at General Council and Conference levels as guidance and support, to introduce the theological and ethical reflection and history of involvement in nuclear issues that has lead the United Church to view nuclear fuel waste within 

• the complex of problems in nuclear fuel production and use 
• the international problems of nuclear wastes, particularly with respect to Canadian exports 
• the risks of proliferation of military applications of radioactive materials 
• the question of the future of nuclear power 

We live in God’s world, in gratitude for the richness of Creation, with growing awareness of the complexity of life-sustaining systems, of our ability to do far-reaching damage, and of our humble place as one species among millions in this interdependent web of life. 

As a faith community, we are called to the transformative work of principle-based approaches to environment and development issues. We have before us a number of nuclear fuel system issues, including refurbishments, consideration of new nuclear power plants, expansion of uranium exploration and mining, plans for the fabrication and use of enriched uranium, and a decision from the Minister of Natural Resources to move toward deep geological disposal as the long-term management option for nuclear fuel waste in Canada. The principle-based approach of The United Church of Canada views nuclear fuel waste as inseparable from all of these nuclear fuel system issues and as interconnected with many broader issues directly related to how we view the world and see our place in it.