The letter to Bishop James of Carlisle which includes the whole Cumbrian Diocese says: “Turning water into wine may have been a fantastic miracle, but producing huge amounts of radioactive water is a horrible daily reality here in Cumbria.

“So passing on a legacy of yet more radioactive wastes to our Cumbrian children and grandchildren is hardly an act of Christian charity.

“New nuclear build and associated waste 'disposal' must rank at the top end of all nasty enterprises that have been blessed in the name of Jesus.

“As head of the Church of England in the Cumbrian area your 'blessing' enthusiastically endorses nuclear power which carries on turning freshwater into radioactive water long after any electricity production has ceased.

“Reflecting on the widespread and entirely rational, evidence based concerns of Cumbrians about the dangers of nuclear power and nuclear proliferation, and acknowledging these in your public statements would be a Christian act.”

The letter goes on to ask

"Would the Diocese of Carlisle consider becoming a “Fair Energy Diocese.” By acknowledging that nuclear power is not “emission free” “home grown” or “safe” the church would be taking a much looked for lead. This would help ensure that Cumbria has the opportunity to look after existing hazardous radioactive wastes as safely as possible (rather than trying to disperse them over a wider area to “make room” for new build) and to move on with genuinely sustainable energy".

The letter was accompanied by a painting.