UCA News
Contribute

Korean Church sends condolences

Aims to continue humanitarian and cultural exchange efforts in the North
Korean Church sends condolences
Archbishop Kim Hee-Joong
Published: December 21, 2011 10:20 AM GMT
Updated: December 21, 2011 10:20 AM GMT

Religious leaders in South Korea extended condolences to the North over the death of Kim Jong-il this week, saying that religious exchanges across the border should continue. Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong of Gwangju told journalists yesterday that “Kim’s death should not deteriorate the strained relations” between North and South. He added that he hoped both governments would “take a step back” and seek reconciliation, peace and co-existence. Kim Jong-il died over the weekend of an apparent heart attack, according to North Korea’s official news agency. A representative of the Korean Bishops’ Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People said yesterday that it would continue “its humanitarian aid to the North Korean people” and expressing worries that the death of Kim Jong-ill could cause more suffering for them. Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik said yesterday that the South Korean government expressed its “sympathy” to the people of North Korea but had decided not to send an official delegation. Yu added however that the wife of late President Kim Dae-jung and family members of the late former chairman of the Hyundai Group, Chung Mong-hun, would be allowed to make a private visit to the North in response to a previous reciprocal delegation from the North. Kim Dae-jung visited North Korea for the first inter-Korean summit with Kim Jong-ill in 2000. Archbishop Kim said “when an enemy pays respects over his/her counterpart’s death, it can help reverse decades of enmity.” According to the national daily Joongang Ilbo, a poll of 710 Koreans published yesterday showed 48.7 percent of respondents said the government or civic groups should pay official respects over Kim’s death, while 49.9 percent were against sending official respects.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia