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Seminar marks Rerum Novarum

Meeting discusses class inequality and poor labor conditions
Seminar marks Rerum Novarum
Father Andrew Park Dong-ho (center), president of the Committee for Justice and Peace of Seoul archdiocese
Published: May 12, 2011 09:33 AM GMT
Updated: May 12, 2011 10:48 AM GMT

The Committee for Justice and Peace of Seoul archdiocese held a seminar yesterday to mark the 120th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, issued by Pope Leo XIII on May 15, 1891. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, vicar general of Seoul archdiocese said in his opening speech, “‘Rerum Novarum’ was a response to the demands of the times. We should reflect it in society and consider the role of Church.” Father Andrew Park Dong-ho, president of the committee stressed, “Dealing with social problems of the times is duty and vocation of Church.” He said the Church has had an interest in social problems such as inequality between classes and the poor labor environment. Also, Francis Park Moon-su, vice president of the Catholic Academy for Korean Culture, said “the Korean Church has often been on the employer's side. So we should consider whether the Church has caused labor problems in society.” Moses Kwon Oh-kwang, former chair of the Catholic Labor Apostolate Conference of Korea, discussed problems of casual workers and the feminization of poverty. He asked for the local Church to be free from political power and the capital. Other issues, from the high suicide rate and low birth rate to the reflection of the press in Church, were discussed. Over 200 people participated in the seminar. Related report Korean workers win labor row KO14199

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