S. Korea: Catholics and Protestants Join Hands for N. Korean Democracy
A mass gathering of 2,500 people, Myong-dong Cathedral reborn
as the holy site for N. Korean human right
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Catholics and Protestants joined together to achieve N. Korean democracy and promote N. Korean human right.
At 2 pm on June 23rd, 2,500 worshippers gathered at Myong-dong Cathedral in Seoul to hold 'The Special Prayer Gathering for N. Korean Religious Freedom and Exaltation of Martyrs during the Korean War.' It was sponsored by 'Catholic Lay Apostolate Council of Seoul Archdiocese(CLAC.)' A large number of prominent Protestant figures also attended the Prayer Gathering.
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The banner says, "Bring back our captives, O LORD, like streams in the Negev (Psalm 126.4)" Protestants and Catholics are speaking in one voice for the great goal of improving N. Korean human right. |
Those attending the prayer gathering included Choi Sung-kyu, Chief Pastor of 'The Christian Council of Korea,' Suh Kyong-suk, Chairman of Human Right Committee at the same council, Kim Sang-chul, President of 'The Future Korea Weekly,' Lee Dong-bok, Chairman of 'North Korea Democratization Forum,' Pastor Chon Ki-won of 'Durihaha Mission,' a humanitarian aid organization for N. Korean Refugees.
Catholics and Protestants Discuss How to Improve N. Korean Human right
Before attending the prayer gathering, Michael Horowitz, a Research Fellow of Hudson Institute, and Mrs. Deborah Fikes, Executive Director of Midland Ministerial Alliance, both of whom are on visit to S. Korea, met Father Chung Jin-suk, Catholic Archbishop of Seoul, and had discussion on N. Korean human right situation.
Sohn Byong-du, Chairman of the Catholic Lay Apostolate Council, told this reporter, "Human right, democracy, and religious freedom are part of universal basic rights and human value. It is high time that S. Korean Catholics, who led push for S. Korean democracy in 70's and 80's, should spearhead the drive for N. Korea human right and democracy." while explaining the purpose behind the prayer gathering.
Chairman Sohn said, "Our organization has been holding 'The Prayer Gathering for N. Korean Human Right and Democratization' on the third Thursday of every month since last October. On July 3rd, we will also hold 'Peace Concert for Helping N. Korean Refugees.' We will continue to work until democracy comes to N. Korea."
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Many Protestant figures, including Chief Pastor Choi Sung-kyu of 'The Christian Council of Korea' (front in the middle), attended the session.
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Chief Pastor Choi Sung-kyu remarked in his greeting, "I admire Catholic worshippers who pray for better N. Korean human right, and 'The Christian Council of Korea' will join you. Until N. Korea abandons its nuclear weapons and peace will come to Korean Peninsula, we will be together to promote N. Korean human right."
American Activists for N. Korean Human right Welcome the Response of S. Korean Religious Community
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| Sohn Byong-du, Chairman of 'Catholic Lay Apostolate Council of Seoul Archdiocese' |
She emphasized, "If DMZ were drawn 70 km down to the South (from where it is), your children could be living in starvation and under oppression. There would be no hope for N. Koreans unless we make firm commitment here today to bring new change and miracle in N. Korea."
Mr. Horowitz said, "It is due to the passionate support of Korean Americans that the concern and enthusiasm on N. Korean human right and democratization swelled in U.S.. I expect that the chorus of (demanding) N. Korean democratization, which is rising not only in U.S. but also in S. Korea, will be heard all over in N. Korea."
As a child of Jewish immigrants, he questioned, "My father was persecuted by Nazis during World War II, which made me realize how precious freedom is. When your children grow up, if they ask what you did for starving fellow N. Koreans, could you proudly tell them what you did for them?"
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Evangelical Christians from America visiting S. Korea. |
In another development, 'The Christian Council of Korea' will host 'The National Reconciliation Rally against N. Korean Nukes and for N. Korean Human Right,' at 4 pm, Saturday, June 25th, at Dae-hak-ro, Dong-soon-dong, Seoul, which will continue to keep alive the enthusiasm for N. Korean democratization in the religious community.
Yang Jung-a junga@dailynk.com