UCA News
Contribute

Korean bishops appeal for peace on peninsular through dialogue

Let us not ignore this situation in indifference and silence, say Catholic leaders
Korean bishops appeal for peace on peninsular through dialogue

A woman walks past a television news screen at a railway station in Seoul on Aug.15 showing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un receiving a briefing. (Photo by Jung Yeon-Je/AFP)

Published: August 17, 2017 05:22 AM GMT
Updated: August 17, 2017 05:23 AM GMT

As tension mounts between North Korea and the United States, Korean bishops have appealed for peace on the peninsula.

The Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People and the Committee for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea jointly released the statement titled 'Let's us walk in the light of the Lord!' on Aug. 15, the 72th anniversary of Korea's Independence.

"Peace on the Korean peninsula is like a counter-weight for global peace," said the statement. "The present situation on the Korean peninsula calls for our conscience and intellect through which we should try to cope with it together in solidarity and compassion, cooperation and respect," it said.

"Let us not ignore this situation in indifference and silence. Especially we appeal to all those who are called to be partners in God's creation. Let us join in prayer and action to make a 'swords-into-plowshares' change on the Korean Peninsula and other areas of conflict," it added.

The bishops conference committees denounced a recent missile test by North Korea and opposed all actions that increase tensions on the peninsula.

"We appeal to leaders of South and North Korea to engage in dialogue for the sake of peace and, by cooperation with the neighboring countries, to strive to provide an institutional strategy ensuring peace on the Korean peninsula," it said.

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