To arouse Catholics' interest and concern on national reconciliation, the Korean bishops' conference has recommended that every parish set up a pastoral committee on reunification.
The bishops' Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People made its recommendation during its May 4 spring general assembly.
The committee said that a parish-level program would help prepare and educate laypeople on peace issues and the reunification movement.
During the meeting, Uijeongbu Diocese announced it would create a reconciliation department at the deanery level. Daegu Archdiocese and Chunchon Diocese said it would set up parish-level departments.
"It is true that laypeople's participation in Korean reconciliation activities is poor. Now, every parish should consider establishing the reconciliation department," said Bishop Peter Lee Ki-heon of Uijeonbu.
The bishops' committee also received an update on a parish program that assisted North Korean refugees.
Last year, the committee dedicated Dowon and Okgye churches in Daegu Archdiocese, Nonhyeondong church in Incheon, Geumchon church in Uijeongbu to be pastoral centers for North Korean refugees.