Urgent Appeal for Harmony between North and South Korea by Korean Catholic Bishops
Korean Catholic Bishops Call for Peaceful Reunification and Reciprocal Cooperation
The Korean Catholic Bishops have emphasized the importance of exchanges with North Korea that are based on cooperation and reciprocity, as they strive towards peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
This call is grounded in the painful history of division on the Korean Peninsula, the ongoing tension since the Korean War armistice, and the Church’s vision of Christ’s sacrifice as a model for true peace.
Historical Context
The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese rule for 35 years until 1945, after which it was divided due to Cold War dynamics between the Soviet Union and the United States, leading to the Korean War (1950-1953) that ended with an armistice but no peace treaty.
Throughout this history, the Catholic Church in Korea has supported North Koreans in difficulty, including establishing National Reconciliation Commissions in dioceses to promote dialogue and assistance. Many missionaries and clergy, such as Bishop Patrick Byrne (the first bishop of Pyongyang), chose to stay in Korea during the war, sometimes enduring imprisonment or martyrdom, symbolizing the Church’s steadfast commitment to the peninsula despite adversity.
Current Situation
The Korean Catholic Bishops’ Conference issues messages urging the faithful to pray for reunification and to be “pilgrims of hope,” promoting peace based on forgiveness and reconciliation. The Church spearheads initiatives like Masses, novenas, and a Special Commission for National Reconciliation, aiming to foster understanding and cooperation on both sides of the border.
The principle of reciprocity and cooperation is critical in these efforts, proposing that exchanges with North Korea be mutual and based on trust rather than unilateral gestures.
Ongoing Efforts for Peace and Reunification
Besides Catholic efforts, Protestant organizations and Korean Christian Federation groups have also engaged in exchanges from the late 1970s, including theological education and family reunions, often facilitated by international bodies such as the World Council of Churches.
The Catholic Church in Korea continues the process of beatification for martyrs who suffered during divisions and persecutions, highlighting historical sacrifice for faith and unity. The Church’s advocacy includes encouraging prayers for reconciliation during events such as the annual Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, observed with the backing of ecumenical Christian organizations.
Together, these historical reflections, current ecclesiastical actions, and collaborative efforts highlight the Korean bishops’ vision that lasting peace and eventual reunification require reciprocal cooperation, grounded in spiritual solidarity and social outreach. This framework recognizes the complex political realities while steadfastly advocating for human dignity and harmony across the divided peninsula.
- Migration and reunification efforts on the Korean Peninsula are significantly impacted by war-and-conflicts history, such as the Korean War, and ongoing political tensions.
- Policy-and-legislation and political discussions about peaceful reunification often focus on reciprocal cooperation between North and South Korea, as demonstrated by the Korean Catholic Bishops' Conference.
- General-news reports frequently cover ongoing exchanges between religious organizations like the Korean Catholic Bishops and North Korea, aiming to promote peace and reconciliation beyond the borders.
