Paul Newman from the nuclear power station Heysham, spoke with great honesty about his work, and the pressures on an industry undergoing great changes.
On returning to work, my colleagues are always interested in the events I attend, and their comments on saving energy and renewable energy were probably typical of most members of society - they want all the technology available and new items are purchased almost weekly, but they do not seem interested in energy conservation, which I find peculiar as most have children who will inherit the creation we all occupy and increasingly take for granted.
"The scientists will sort it out" was the most voiced comment - but I have heard that said since the 1960's!
For me the conference brought up many questions, but very few answers, as they primarily rest with us all as stewards of God's world.
Impressions from a URC Colleague
Margaret Johnson reflects on the MIBIC Conference 2004:
When I received notification of the conference from my training department, I was delighted to accept, as it is the first Chaplains conference since I was ordained in July 2004.
I was especially interested as for many years I have been concerned about pollution and the environment, which now also addresses global warming.
I am also of the generation who grew up with anything ‘nuclear’ being something to be afraid of. I had some apprehension, because I had no knowledge of MIBIC prior to this or the work that you do.
Although I knew some of the chaplains present, it was good to meet friends old and new, and especially interesting to hear the many roles that are covered by chaplains throughout the country.
The visit to Sellafield was interesting, but made me think of meetings and conferences within my own workplace, slightly staged and out to sell the product, but the staff seem genuinely happy and interested in their work, and it was fascinating to tour the site.
My first impression of the plant was that it was of cathedral proportions, and there was a sense of being overwhelmed by the area, and the security under which staff have to operate. My own work as a Benefits officer calls for complete security and confidentiality, but to live with that level of security day by day must be stressful.
