- Our Position on the Second Six-Party Talks in Beij
- (2004.02.24)China, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. should do their best for the peaceful settlement of the issues regarding nuclear programs in North Korea. No one has the right to victimize North Korea. International community should stop scapegoating and victimizing North Korea.
Following the Geneva Frame of Agreement in 1994, the U.S. should keep its promise to ease the economic sanctions against North Korea. Imposing economic sanctions on the people suffering from famine and hunger is a serious violation of basic human right. No country has any right to prevent North Korea from producing energy from uranium. The U.S., Japan, and other countries should stop preventing North Korea from developing peaceful production of electricity from uranium resources. PSI operations against North Korean ships should be immediately stopped for a free world.
Japan should apologize officially the wrongdoings against the people of North Korea, including those 130,000 to 200,000 women who were kidnapped for military sex slavery as well as those thousands of men who were sent to forced labour. Compensation and reparation should be paid in cash to the people of North Korea.
KEDO should immediately supply the two light-water reactors which were promised by the Geneva Agreement, and the U.S. Senate and House should be able to play a positive role for the construction of the LWR in Shinpo. The U.S. should supply 500,000 tones of fuel oil to North Korea according to Geneva Agreement. And the U.S., who has the nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, should abandon its plan of preemptive attacks with nuclear weapons against those nuclear-weapon have-nots according to the Article 3 of the Geneva Agreement. The U.S. should not misuse and scapegoat North Korea for the interest of its coming presidential election. The U.S. should make the written promise for the security of the people and the nation of D.P.R.K. The U.S. should open the normal and peaceful relations with North Korea as a friendly nation like Vietnam or China. We believe that this is the best way to solve the conflicts between the U.S. and North Korea.
Japan should also open the normal diplomatic relationship with North Korea, and cancel its economic and financial sanctions against North Korea. Issues around kidnapping Japanese persons should be resolved by diplomatic means. Japan should keep the every detailed promises which were made between the two countries in the spirit of reciprocity and respect.
We strongly urge the U.S. to play positive role in the process of economic cooperations between North and South Korea, which are taking shape in the Kaesung Special Economic Development Project, Keumgangsan Project, Railway Project, and others. In no chances, the U.S. should become the obstacle or give pressure to South Korea.
The United Nations and its General Secretary Kopi Anan should make a clear declaration to prevent military attacks, economic sanctions, naval blockades of PSI, and international pressures of various kinds against the famine-ridden North Korea. UN and IAEA should denuclearize the nuclear-weapon-haves, e.g., Russia, the U.S., Israel, China, U.K., France, India, Pakistan, and invite them to join NPT. (Japan should be included here, for it has accumulated some 7,000 to 45,000 kilograms of Plutonium and has the capacity to produce more than thousand nuclear warheads.) They are the ones who actually proliferate nuclear weapons and technologies. UN and Kopi Anan should reexamine the role of UN Command in Korea, scrutinizing whether the UN Command actually plays the facilitating role for peace and reunification of Korea or has become an obstacle for the process of peaceful cooperations between North and South Korea.
February 24, 2004
Planning Subcommission of the Reunification Committee
The National Council of Churches in Korea
2008-09-18 02:18:45
- Common Prayer for Peace and Reunification of
- (2006.08.01)31 July, 2006
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings from Seoul.
In our Korean people"s journey toward peace and reunification, the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and the Korea Christian Federation (KCF) in the North have met together once a year since 1989 to commemorate the August 15th anniversary of liberation from Japan"s colonial rule by jointly writing the people"s "Common Prayer" for peace and reunification.
Especially in 1989, the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches decided to encourage all member churches to use the common prayer and join the "Common Prayer Week for Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsular" on the Sunday closest to August 15th.
After refusing to return to six-way talks, North Korea has become increasingly ostracized and isolated. In addition, the food shortage in North Korea is worsen because of torrential downpours last two weeks. Regarding the situation of Korean peninsular, both NCCK and KCF we heartily ask you to share this prayer in your respective churches on the Sunday closest to August 15th.
In ecumenical solidarity
Sincerely yours,
Rev. Paik, Do-Woong
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Korea
Common Prayer for Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsular
God of peace,
We give thanks for your loving hands caring for every life and all of history.
Lord,
We recovered our freedom after thirty-six years of Japanese occupation, and since then, another sixty-one years has passed.
This is not a short time; but still there are voices around us defending the old structure of division.
Nonetheless, this land abounds with dreams for reunification.
"The North and the South have agreed to join our strength as a sovereign and responsible people, and to independently solve the problem of national reunification."
On that day of June 15, 2000, when news of the North-South Joint Declaration was broadcast,
We couldn"t believe our own ears and eyes.
Lord,
Who will dare obstruct your plans?
Though the sharp teeth of barbed-wire fences remain along the truce line,
Coming and going over those fences
Are the hearts of the divided families,
With their sharing of wisdom for life together,
And their care and concern for each other.
These have laid down the base for our future peaceful community.
Lord,
We thank you for giving us new opportunities.
Rather than clinging to outdated pride in our past leadership role for reunification and peace,
May we, the churches of North and South, embrace a greater value:
Our hope in a new day filled with strength and vitality, a new day we will build together.
We believe
That the peaceful economic and cultural community we dream of,
Will result from the hope that binds our hearts together.
However fierce may be the suffering that we face,
However fearsome may be the storms that try us,
We steadfastly believe in the amazing plan of God, who has brought us out of brokenness and ruin and into a relationship of trust and understanding.
Lord of love,
Now we are awakened to the knowledge
That though we have been divided for the past sixty years, there was never any division in You;
That though we doubted, there was always the reality of oneness in You.
Therefore, in You we already have experienced reunification.
We hope our reunification will be strong and beautiful.
We hope it will set aright our history of pain and suffering,
Bring unity to our nation, and offer hope to the whole world,
May the train departing from this land, pass through the Asian and European continents and finally reach the ocean at the far end of the western land.
May the fire-pillar of peace starting from this land, shine a light on the continents to the utmost reaches of the western land.
Grant that our reunification will be hope for the world.
Lord,
In You, once again we dream a great dream.
The dream you dreamed on the cross in that ancient time,
The great dream of every person and all of history abiding in You,
Is our dream also.
With hope for the peace of this land and the unity of its people,
We pray in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.
(This Common Prayer was made by the NCC-Korea and the Korea Christian Federation)
※ NORTH-SOUTH JOINT DECLARATION
True to the noble will of all the fellow countrymen for the peaceful reunification of the country, Chairman Kim Jong Il of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea had a historic meeting and summit in Pyongyang from June 13 to 15, 2000.
The heads of the North and the South, considering that the recent meeting and summit, the first of their kind in history of division, are events of weighty importance in promoting mutual understanding, developing inter-Korean relations and achieving peaceful reunification, declare as follows:
The North and the South agreed to solve the question of the countrys reunification independently by the concerted effects of the Korean nation responsible it.
The North and the South, recognizing that a proposal for federation of lower stage advanced by the North side and a proposal for confederation put forth by the South side for the reunification of the country have elements in common, agreed to work for the reunification in this direction in the future.
The North and the South agreed to settle humanitarian issues, including exchange of visiting groups of separated families and relatives and the issue of unconverted long-term prisoners, as early as possible on the occasion of August 15 this year.
The North and the South agreed to promote the balanced development of the national economy through economic cooperation and build mutual confidence by activating cooperation and exchanges in all fields, social, cultural, sports, public health, environmental and so on.
The North and the South agreed to hold dialogues between the authorities as soon as possible to implement the above-mentioned agreed points in the near future.
President Kim Dae Jung cordially invited Chairman Kim Jong Il of the DPRK National Defense Commission to visit Seoul and Chairman Kim Jong Il agreed to visit Seoul at an appropriate time in the future.
June 15, 2000
Kim Jong Il Kim Dae Jung
Chairman President
National Defense Commission DPRK Republic of Korea
2008-09-18 02:25:11
- After one year of the death on June 13
- (2003.06.09)The memory of Hyo-Soon and Mi-Sun after one year of the death on June 13STATEMENTLooking back upon the memory of Hoy-soon and Mi-sun after one year of the death on June 13.The Accident Happened to Hyo-soon and Mi-sun on June 13. 2002 Was Undeniable Killing. Last year while people were being excited in 2002 World Cup, the death of Hyo-soon and Mi-sun by U.S armored vehicle seemed to be mistreated and hidden under the shouting of joy in World Cup. But this mortified souls of two innocent young girl students broke hearts of people in Korean peninsula.Therefore millions of candles of anger went around the US embassy. The leaders of many religions perform a fast to mollify the mortified souls of Hyo-soon and Mi-sun during the severe cold in winter. The death of two innocent girl students also gave Korean an opportunity to think about the real right for our own nation. But where are they who killed Hyo-soon and Mi-sun? The court which was consisted of all Americans who were the judge, prosecutor, lawyers and juries gave a verdict of "not guilty" to the killers and they had gone back to America. We can never accept the judgement that the cruel killers were innocent even in what really happened hasn"t proved exactly and a lot of mysteries are still there.The Killing on June 13 Is Still Going On.It is sure there is a problem in SOFA which makes the killers innocent in any cruel crime. Unless this SOFA is revised there will be no just punishment upon the criminal nor the justice for Korean people. Unless the U.S Army stays in Korea, unless the true peace and authenticity are admitted, the crimes like this killing the innocent people done by U.S Army never stop.The killing happen last year is still going on. Do you remember Kum-E Yoon killed by Kenneth Markle in 1992 ? Do you remember Dong-Nock Chon died in suffering of cutting his body by a high-tension wire built by U.S Army ? The killing is still going on unless the fundamental conflict of unfair relationship between America and Korea is solved.Furthermore USA"homicidal weapons threaten the innocent lives in the world. USA victimized the innocent children and people in Iraq already and now presses North Korea more and more and breaks peace in Korea. This supreme power of USA made Hyo-Soon and Mi-Sun dead.For The World of True Authenticity and Peace We Christian who believe God acts alive in human being"s history believe God listens to crying of mortified souls and acts for those who are suffering in this history as God did for Israelite in suffering. With this belief and conscience we pledge to struggle for fair revision of SOFA, peace, reunification, true authenticity of Korean People.June, 7, 2003All the persons present in first memorial worship for Hyo-Soon and Mi-Sun
2008-09-18 02:15:02
- 2004 Common Prayer for Peace and Reunification of
- (2004.07.12)* This prayer was written jointly by the National Council of Churches in Korea and the Korean Christians Federation.
2004 Common Prayer for Peace and Reunification
of the Korean Peninsula
Almighty God,
you nurture your entire creation with love;
you make the crooked way straight,
and transform sorrow to joy.
We thank you.
Once again we celebrate August 15th.
On this day sixty years ago we were liberated from japan.
But, without any reference to the will of our people,
outside forces divided our land,
and we have carried this painful history of division until today.
God, forgive us.
We experienced the joy of liberation and the sorrow of division.
The painful and confusing history has been a heavy burden for the entire nation.
But we Christians,
who bear the responsibility to work for the peace and reunification of our land,
have simply floating through time over these past sixty years.
God, we know your great and astounding love.
To our people who have carried the sorrowful cross of division,
you gave the light of hope with the June 15 South-North Agreement
which brought amazing change to our people.
Though the wall of division still separates us,
brothers and sisters in South and North
are crossing the barrier and deepening our mutual trust.
Even in the weariness of our busy daily lives
We now always pray for our sisters and brothers on the other side.
God,
we fervently pray that the change not end here,
that the distorted history of sixty years of division may be made straight,
peace may reign,
reunification may be attained,
and finally our people"s new history may begin.
Let us Christians take the lead in this work.
Ardently trusting that peace an reunification of this land is near,
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
2008-09-18 02:21:10
- Peace Statement Against War and Nuclear Weapons
- (2003.03.31)Peace Statement Against War and Nuclear Weapons- Expressing our deep concern about the war against Iraqand the crisis on the Korean peninsula -As Christians we confess that it is our mission to plant and nourish the peace which is promised by God. We believe that building peace is our imperative task. We believe that the evil intent of war and violence based on secular vested interests is contrary to the will of God. We urge an end to the war on Iraq, which runs contrary to the will of God and destroys the peace of the world. The insecurity arising out of the nuclear crisis which can lead to war, is not the will of God. In faith, we express our determination to build peace in Korea and the world.1. We urge that North Korea clearly state its intent to immediately stop its nuclear weapons development program, and to participate in peace settlement in Korea and Northeast Asia.We oppose the production, development, possession, deployment and use of nuclear weapons which can lead to mass destruction. We call for the implementation of the Basic Agreement on a nuclear-free Korea which was signed in December 1991 by the governments of both Koreas. We know that the non-nuclear states are deeply frustrated because they are not allowed to develop nuclear weapons, whereas the states already possessing nuclear weapons are highly arrogant. We believe that the question of whether we can maintain peace and security with or without nuclear weapons is not simple. Any attempt to possess nuclear weapons will endanger security and can result in enormous tragedy and destruction.North Korea must clearly declare its willingness to give up its nuclear weapons development program for the sake of the life and very existence of its people and for the guarantee of its regime. We urge North Korea to return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, fulfill its agreement to a nuclear-free Korea, and return to the international inspection system. And we hope that both Koreas will work together to build a nuclear-free peace.2. We call on the United States to make concrete responses to North Korea in guaranteeing the regime and the life of its people, in return for North Korea"s renunciation of its nuclear weapons programs.We cannot support any policies leading to armed conflict and, potentially, war in Korea. We cannot accept the US administration"s branding of North Korea as part of an "axis of evil" or an "outlaw nation". We cannot agree with the US policy of preemptive nuclear strikes, because such a policy can lead to war on the Korean peninsula.On the other hand, we support the US position to solve the Korean nuclear crisis by diplomatic efforts and dialogue. In accordance with North Korea"s cancellation of its nuclear programs, the US must resume its supply of oil which was promised under the Geneva Agreed Framework and which was suspended in the wake of the North Korean nuclear crisis. We urge the US to immediately enter into bilateral dialogue with North Korea to negotiate with North Korea about the issues of the very existence of its people, guarantee of its regime, and a non-aggression pact.3. We urge the South Korean government to make every effort to eliminate the threat of war and pave the way for a peace settlement by combining our commitment to solidarity between North and South and our commitment to the US-South Korea alliance.We denounce war under any circumstances in Korea. We do not want to repeat the agony and suffering of the Korean War. We call on the South Korean government to do its best to dismantle the Cold War structures by extensively enhancing the ongoing South-North peaceful coexistence. Peace between North and South Korea is not possible without peace with surrounding nations. We therefore urge the South Korean government to work on a framework of multilateral dialogue and cooperation including the US, which has armed forces stationed in South Korea, surrounding nations, and the European Union. This multilateral framework may contribute to the construction of peace and security not only on the Korean peninsula but in all of Northeast Asia.We call on the South Korean government to contribute to a trilateral structure of North-South cooperation, US-North Korea dialogue, and a multilateral framework to ensure a sustainable and permanent peace in the region.4. We ask sister churches around the world and the churches in the North and South to work together to plant peace in the world and on the Korean peninsula.We appeal to all peace-loving people in the world to join together in preventing war and building peace, and to work for justice and the welfare of all people. We firmly believe that we can achieve a new vision of church unity by participating in peace without war and without nuclear weapons, beyond the barriers of theological doctrines and historical and cultural differences.March 31, 2003Christian Solidarity for Peace
2008-09-18 02:11:49
- Three NCC's common statement on Six Party Talks
-
(2005.07.22)On the Eve of the Recommencement of the Six Party Talks
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the diving wall of hostility, (2, 14 Ephesians)
The National Council of Churches in Korea(NCC-Korea), The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA(NCCC-USA) and the National Christian Council in Japan( NCC-Japan) who have continued in earnest prayer for peace on the Korean peninsula and the wider region of Northeast Asia welcome and express our pleasure at the prospect of the Six Party talks that had been suspended for the past thirteen months recommencing later this month.
The NCCK, NCCC-USA and the NCCJ have worked together over the past twenty years to establish peace on the Korean peninsula and the wider region of Northeast Asia, and especially have strived to assist in the re-unification of the Korean Peninsula. However, despite our best efforts, the circumstances surrounding the Korean peninsula have continued to be unstable, and the experience of two times nuclear crises has re-affirmed the fact that our united prayers and efforts continue to be necessary.
The NCCK, NCCC-USA and NCCJ recognize that the present "North Korean Nuclear Issue" is related to the energy issues that the Democratic People"s Republic of Korea (DPRK) faces for its very survival, as well as the issue of the security of its regime. Fortunately, the positive attitude of the government of the Republic of Korea(ROK) with regard to providing electricity to the DPRK has provided a constructive element to the resolution of the present situation. At the same time we affirm the need for the United States of America and Japan, as well as other neighboring countries to become more pro-actively involved in reconstructing the industrial basis of the DPRK which has suffered from repetitive natural disasters and the chronic lack of agricultural production and energy shortages. This matter, we believe, is a humanitarian issue that is directly related to the survival of the people of the DPRK.
The NCCK, NCCC-USA and the NCCJ also call upon the government of the United States to adopt a more positive attitude to the issue of guaranteeing the DPRK"s sovereignty and security and call upon the U.S. government to take active measures to exchange the current Armistice with a Peace Agreement so that the insecurity of the present state of division may be addressed fundamentally. We also encourage the ROK government initiate more positive legal and structural measures, such as a Non-aggression Treaty, that would contribute to the peaceful co-existence of the DPRK and ROK. In addition, we urge the Japanese government to step beyond issues that limit the development of normalized relations with the DPRK and positively work to address the historical matters between the DPRK and Japan. At the same time, the DPRK must work to fully resolve the misgivings of many countries throughout the world regarding their nuclear program and return to the original statement which confirms the de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula, thereby allowing for co-existence with its neighbors.
The NCCK, NCCC-USA and NCCJ fully desire that the Six Party Talks soon to be resumed will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and conciliation where each party learns of and from the different cultures and structures of the other; where negotiations are conducted with the wider interests of Northeast Asia; and, indeed, where the concern for the rebuilding of world peace supersedes simple national interests.
Acting in the firm conviction that the prayers and efforts of the NCCK, NCCC-USA and NCCJ toward peace on the Korean peninsula and the wider region of Northeast Asia will bear much fruit during the upcoming talks we re-commit ourselves to continue in our efforts to ensure that our respective governments work for peace. We believe that our efforts will bear the precious fruit of peace for Northeast Asia and the world and in this belief express our common desire through this Statement.
21 July, 2005
The National Council of Churches in Korea, Gen.Sec Paik Do-woong
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, Gen.Sec Bob Edgar
The National Christian Council in Japan, Gen.Sec Toshimasa Yamamoto
2008-09-18 02:23:08
- Statement adopted in Arnoldshain on Feb. 2008
- Statement of the Ecumenical Forum for Peace, Reunification and
Development Co-operation on the Korean Peninsula
Evangelische Akademie Arnoldshain (Germany), February 8th, 2008
We, representatives from churches, ecumenical organisations and church agencies from Asia, Europe and North America including the WCC, CCA, KCF and NCCK met together in Arnoldshain (Germany) at the second meeting of the Ecumenical Forum for Peace , Reunification and Development Co-operation on the Korean Peninsula on February 7th to 8th, 2008. Reaffirming our commitment to the aims of the ecumenical Process for Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula initiated by the WCC at the conference in Tozanso (Japan) in 1984, we expressed our resolve to intensify our ecumenical activities by agreeing on the attached Terms of Reference for further collaboration.
On October 4th, 2007 the “Declaration for Development of North-South relations and peace and Prosperity” was adopted at the historic inter-Korean summit meeting held in Pyongyang. The cause of Korean reunification thus entered a new phase of implementation of the June 15th, 2000 Joint Declaration. This gives renewed impetus to the Ecumenical Movement which has supported the Korean nation’s struggle for Reunification, Peace and Prosperity and the demand that the Armistice agreement be replaced by a Peace treaty between the DPRK and the USA.
The USA’s anti-DPRK policy, its war exercises, military bases and arms build-up as well as Japanese hostile moves against the DPRK hinder the efforts of the Korean nation to achieve peaceful reunification.
We appeal to Christians around the world to be in wholehearted solidarity with the efforts of the Korean nation towards achieving Reunification based on the principles of ensuring “co-existence, co-prosperity and common interests” and to be fully involved in development co-operation.
We appeal to Christians around the world to be mindful of the ever present threat of war on the Korean Peninsula and to join us in Prayer and to raise their voices against confrontational policies and measures detrimental to the well-being of the Korean people.
2008-09-18 02:37:39
- The Women's Committee of the National Council of C
-
(2003.04.17)The Women"s Committee of the National Council of Churches in Korea
Hae-sun Jung
Program Executive
Womens Committee, NCCK
1. North-South Women"s Reunification Assembly
The North-South Women"s Reunification Assembly was held on 16-17 October 2002 at Mt. Kyungkang. There were over 700 participants, 300 from North Korea, 350 from South Korea and the rest from overseas. Four South Korean Christian representatives, including Rev. Han Kuk-yom, former General Secretary of the Korean Association of Women Theologians, met North Korean participants, including Ms. Kim Hea-sook a member of the International Committee of the Korean Christians Federation (KCF) of North Korea. According to Ms. Kim, there are two churches, Bong-su Church and Chil-gok Church, in Pyungyang and 513 home churches throughout the North. We evaluate this meeting as highly meaningful in terms of the Civic Reunification Movement. Civic groups and ordinary people led it. They shared the warmth of their sisterhood and reconfirmed their witness for the reunification of the two Koreas.
2. Church Women"s Alliance for Peace and Against War
Over 20 Church related women"s organizations joined the Church Women"s Alliance for Peace and Against War. At the beginning of a prayer meeting on 13 March 2003, we spoke out strongly against war in Iraq. On 30 April, we will hold the Annual Consultation of the Christian Women"s Movement. At this meeting, we will discuss the topic "How to do the Work of the Christian Women"s Peace Movement". In addition, we will discuss three sub-themes; Women and Peace on the Korean Peninsula; Women and the Peace Movement of the Church and Women and Militarism. At this time, we are running a special campaign to raise a relief fund in order to provide medicine for Iraqi children.
3. Overcoming Violence Against Women and Children Modules.
The Womens Committee participates in the DOV project of the CCA. The project aims to contribute towards the Churchs peace ministry and seeks fullness of life for all by working towards ending violence against women and children. Specifically, the project aims at:
a. Raising the awareness of local congregations regarding the issue on the basis of our faith.
b. Generating a response to the issue and action to address it.
c. Rereading scripture texts related to the issue from a liberating perspective.
d. Contributing to the work of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV).
The Womens Committee takes responsibility for two chapters: State Violence and Violence in the Church . The State Violence chapter is concerned with laws relating to womens and childrens rights and militarism. In the chapter on Violence in the Church, the writers will deal with the structural violence in the Church such as clericalism, the hierarchical structure of the traditional Church, theological violence and ritual, liturgies and language. We chose five writers for this project who will complete their work by the end of June.
4. Church Declaration for Overcoming and Protection from Sexual Violence
The Declaration suggests the proper witness and role of a responsible Church regarding sexual violence. Traditionally the Church has avoided referring to sex within its congregations. At the 51st Assembly of the NCCK, on 18 Nov. 2002, the Korean Church presented the official dossier Church Declaration for Overcoming and Protection from Sexual Violence . Considering the conservative nature of the Korean Church and society, it was a remarkable process and outcome in terms of womens issues. In May, we will concentrate on informing all member churches of the NCCK, theological seminaries, and womens groups about the declaration. We hope that it will be helpful in changing attitudes regarding sexual prejudice and gender sensitivity.
5. Women Religious Leaders Dialogue: Woman, be a Partner of Women!
In the second half of this year, we will have an opportunity to share our desire for peace on the basis of our different religious traditions. During this meeting, we will plan the next years festival with a view to encouraging religious life and celebrating womens unity.
6. The 5th Solidarity and Interchange Meeting of the Womens Committee of the NCC-Korea and Japan
Every other year, the NCC-Korea and NCC-Japan have a solidarity and interchange meeting. It is held alternately in each country. The 5th meeting will be held in Okinawa, Japan on 28-30 November. The main theme is Korean and Japanese Womens Role in Peacemaking in North East Asia . We will focus on the comfort women, Korean rights in Japan and migrant workers rights issues. Furthermore, we will read the Bible from the point of view of Asian women.
2008-09-18 02:13:23
- Statement of Christian Social Forum 2004
-
(2004.04.28)Statement of Christian Social Forum 2004
With the topic of "The Changed World and Reforming of the Christian Social Movement", more than 200 of Christian social mission workers, Church ministers, lays, women, youths and students who are working in each areas to follow the Christ who is 쟲enewing the history participated in Christian Social Forum 2004 held in il-young Methodist Church training institute, from March 29th to 31th. The preparatory committee for Christian Social Forum, consisted of more than 40 social mission groups and National Council of Churches in Korea, commonly sponsored the forum. We spent two nights and three days for doing meeting, sharing friendship and dialog with the holy spirit who is changing the world and reforming the Church. We opened our heart in the precious time and shared the reflection of practices done by various Christian social mission groups last decade and discussed faithfully for the sake of building the vision for the new world on the basis of the reflection. Therefore we declare following statements for the foundation of new practice with the common points of views in spite of various differences.
The world is changing rapidly and the changes include a great number of new potentialities for God"s justice and peace, at the same time negativity. We especially found out Christian social movements" new mission is against neoliberal globalization which causes most of people"s poverty, despair and violence in the world. Furthermore, realizing 쟴he power of Capital challenging against God controls not only the lives in political-economic world but also the human souls, 쟷e have to response on the essential problems earnestly and wholly. We also see the globalization from the bottom, the resistant globalization and the globalization for the alternative world are occurring against globalization of financial capital. We, workers of Christian social movements, confess Holy Spirit leads these hopeful movements.
We reaffirm the United States of America"s unilateral diplomatic policies are the important causes to drive the whole world to wars and violence at all times. the United States of America"s unilateral diplomatic policies regard the third world countries against the benefit of the United States of America as the evil in the name of faith. We declare the series of wars and violence broken out are unjust. 젨Therefore we, Christian social movement groups participated in Christian Social Forum 2004, suggest the people"s action against dispatching troops to Iraq to all the peace movements groups in Korean society. We also agree that peace movements should radically expand the reunification movements to the more active and creative ways than the passive ways of resisting anti-peace. Christian movement groups determine to develope the peace education for reunification and make them 쟞pplied in the various educational places.
Christian social movements have traditionally concentrated on protection for the right of the week in societies. But we realize commonly that Christian social movements should be strengthened for the right of the Min-jung being suffered more and more in the neoliberal world. Now we recognize that the Christian social movements with Min-jung are required to support for the struggles for realizing the alternatives by Mun-jung themselves, which is the church"s own ability, beyond the passive actions of protecting the week.
The struggles of Christian social movements for human rights in the stream of alternative globalization should expand them to the movements for assuring the social rights to dignify social existences of human beings beyond protecting the rights of individuals" freedom. But we cannot deny there still are the situations of 쟣undamental human rights deprived. We agree that the abrogation of the law of head of family is starting point for the equality between women and men. We also believe that wherever the migrant workers live and work their human rights should be protected. We also confess that the Holy Spirit who breaks the unreasonable wall between human beings works in the migrant workers" struggles for the human rights in the situation of new culture. We also urge that the human rights of the people who reject the duty of military service for the sake of faith and conviction should be respected and a system of accepting social duties by various ways like the alternative military service system. But Christian social movements come to recognition that painful self-reflection is required on the assumption of all christian actions for human rights. We confess our responsibility of sin of anti-human rights done in the name of Christian customs, traditions and faiths.
We agree that the whole Korean Christianity should be transformed. It is true that the Korean church"s serious problems are also obstacles to the Christian social movements. We acknowledge the ecumenical spirit of equality, justice, solidarity of peace in all creatures again and affirm that these are to be the system for guarding the movements. We reaffirm that the ecumenical leadership should be consisted through solidarity of the active responses of leaders in each places, not distributed by denominational and ecclesiastical authorities. The Christian social movements recognize that the appropriate reconstruction of the ecumenical leadership is urgently required for the sake of maturer movements.
We realize that the Mammon"s controlling power with the form of neoliberalism out of the storm of Capitalism influences on the lives of individuals, the unconsciousness as well as spirituality. This reality stresses the importance of cultural movement which we have overlooked once again. We think that the contemporary values of the world and pathological attitude could be made out of the popular cultures. The Christian social movements learn from the various popular cultures for participating actively on the one hand. On the other hand, we agree on striving to develope our precious inheritances, thoughts and fruits of practices for sharing with people in contemporary world. We also pay attention to the influences spread by revolution of the electronic mediums on the most parts of lives with the light and darkness. We believe that all of these situations ask us to reflect the Christian social movements and reconstruct properly.
We go forward to the each place for practices with a lot of enlightenment and tasks and through discussions and reflections for 3days. We affirm that we deepen what we realized and recognized in the forum in each place for practices and make the solidarity firmer in order to settle our difficulties with the common endeavor. We affirm that the Christian social forum should be held every year with deeper matters and what we agreed and discussed in the forum should always be communicated in the places of the Christian social missions through the alternative ways. We also affirm to reconstruct the system for discussing with responsibility. In spite of our weakness, we go forward to the places of practices with the new Christian social missions following the Christ be with us ever forever.
March 31th, 2004
All the persons present in the Christian Social Forum 2004.
2008-09-18 02:19:40
- Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Kore
- (2007.10.09)In accordance with the agreement between President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea and Chairman Kim Jong Il of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, President Roh visited Pyongyang from October 2-4, 2007. During the visit, there were historic meetings and discussions. At the meetings and talks, the two sides have reaffirmed the spirit of the June 15 Joint Declaration and had frank discussions on various issues related to realizing the advancement of South-North relations, peace on the Korean Peninsula, common prosperity of the Korean people and unification of Korea. Expressing confidence that they can forge a new era of national prosperity and unification on their own initiative if they combine their will and capabilities, the two sides declare as follows, in order to expand and advance South-North relations based on the June 15 Joint Declaration: 1. The South and the North shall uphold and endeavor actively to realize the June 15 Declaration. The South and the North have agreed to resolve the issue of unification on their own initiative and according to the spirit of “by-the-Korean-people-themselves.” The South and the North will work out ways to commemorate the June 15 anniversary of the announcement of the South-North Joint Declaration to reflect the common will to faithfully carry it out. 2. The South and the North have agreed to firmly transform inter-Korean relations into ties of mutual respect and trust, transcending the differences in ideology and systems. The South and the North have agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of the other and agreed to resolve inter-Korean issues in the spirit of reconciliation, cooperation and reunification. The South and the North have agreed to overhaul their respective legislative and institutional apparatuses in a bid to develop inter-Korean relations in a reunification-oriented direction. The South and the North have agreed to proactively pursue dialogue and contacts in various areas, including the legislatures of the two Koreas, in order to resolve matters concerning the expansion and advancement of inter-Korean relations in a way that meets the aspirations of the entire Korean people. 3. The South and the North have agreed to closely work together to put an end to military hostilities, mitigate tensions and guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula. The South and the North have agreed not to antagonize each other, reduce military tension, and resolve issues in dispute through dialogue and negotiation. The South and the North have agreed to oppose war on the Korean Peninsula and to adhere strictly to their obligation to nonaggression. The South and the North have agreed to hold talks between the South’s Minister of Defense and the North’s Minister of the People’s Armed Forces in Pyongyang in November to discuss ways of designating a joint fishing area in the West Sea to avoid accidental clashes and turning it into a peace area and also to discuss measures to build military confidence, including security guarantees for various cooperative projects. 4. The South and the North both recognize the need to end the current armistice regime and build a permanent peace regime. The South and the North have also agreed to work together to advance the matter of having the leaders of the three or four parties directly concerned to convene on the Peninsula and declare an end to the war. With regard to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the South and the North have agreed to work together to implement smoothly the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement and the February 13, 2007 Agreement achieved at the Six-Party Talks. 5. The South and the North have agreed to facilitate, expand, and further develop inter-Korean economic cooperation projects on a continual basis for balanced economic development and co-prosperity on the Korean Peninsula in accordance with the principles of common interests, co-prosperity and mutual aid. The South and the North reached an agreement on promoting economic cooperation, including investments, pushing forward with the building of infrastructure and the development of natural resources. Given the special nature of inter-Korean cooperative projects, the South and the North have agreed to grant preferential conditions and benefits to those projects. The South and the North have agreed to create a “special peace and cooperation zone in the West Sea” encompassing Haeju and vicinity in a bid to proactively push ahead with the creation of a joint fishing zone and maritime peace zone, establishment of a special economic zone, utilization of Haeju harbor, passage of civilian vessels via direct routes in Haeju and the joint use of the Han River estuary. The South and the North have agreed to complete the first-phase construction of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex at an early date and embark on the second-stage development project. The South and the North have agreed to open freight rail services between Munsan and Bongdong and promptly complete various institutional measures, including those related to passage, communication, and customs clearance procedures. The South and the North have agreed to discuss repairs of the Gaeseong-Sinuiju railroad and the Gaeseong-Pyongyang expressway for their joint use. The South and the North have agreed to establish cooperative complexes for shipbuilding in Anbyeon and Nampo, while continuing cooperative projects in various areas such as agriculture, health and medical services and environmental protection. The South and the North have agreed to upgrade the status of the existing Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee to a Joint Committee for Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation to be headed by deputy prime minister-level officials. 6. The South and the North have agreed to boost exchanges and cooperation in the social areas covering history, language, education, science and technology, culture and arts, and sports to highlight the long history and excellent culture of the Korean people. The South and the North have agreed to carry out tours to Mt. Baekdu and open nonstop flight services between Seoul and Mt. Baekdu for this purpose. The South and the North have agreed to send a joint cheering squad from both sides to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The squad will use the Gyeongui Railway Line for the first-ever joint Olympic cheering. 7. The South and the North have agreed to actively promote humanitarian cooperation projects. The South and the North have agreed to expand reunion of separated family members and their relatives and promote exchanges of video messages. To this end, the South and the North have agreed to station resident representatives from each side at the reunion center at Mt. Geumgang when it is completed and regularize reunions of separated family members and their relatives. The South and the North have agreed to actively cooperate in case of emergencies, including natural disasters, according to the principles of fraternal love, humanitarianism and mutual assistance. 8. The South and the North have agreed to increase cooperation to promote the interests of the Korean people and the rights and interests of overseas Koreans on the international stage. o The South and the North have agreed to hold inter-Korean prime ministers’ talks for the implementation of this Declaration and have agreed to hold the first round of meetings in November 2007 in Seoul. o The South and the North have agreed that their highest authorities will meet frequently for the advancement of relations between the two sides. Oct. 4, 2007 Pyongyang Roh Moo-hyun President Republic of Korea Kim Jong Il Chairman, National Defense Commission Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
2008-09-18 02:27:42
- Summarized report of Nanjing meeting
- (Summarized report of Nanjing meeting)
Ecumenical Forumfor Peace, Reunification and Development Cooperationon the Korean Peninsula
Steering Committee Meeting
May 16-17, 2008,Guoxin Hotel, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
1. Members Present:
Dr. Matthews George Chunakara (WCC) , Mr. Tony Waworuntu (CCA), Rev. Kwon Oh-Sung (NCCK), Rev. Ri Jong Ro (KCF), Ms. Bern Jagunos (UCC), Ms. Stefanie Elbern (EED), Rev. Kenichi Otsu (NCCJ), Rev. Heawon Chae (Forum), Ms. Patricia Bruschweiler (WCC Asia Desk ), Mr. Choe Kil-Hyun (KCF)
Guest: Mr. Qui Zhonghui, Amity Foundation Director
2. The Minutes of February 6-8, 2008 Meeting were approved with some changes.
3. Following Situation update on the Korean peninsula by Rev. Kwon, and Rev. Ri Jong Ro’s request for the Forum to respond to the new situation, It was agreed thatThe Forum through the WCC office of Matthews (as chair of the Forum and representative of WCC) will send an appeal to Forum and WCC members to write letters to President Lee Myung Bak of South Korea expressing concern about his government’s antagonistic and confrontation attitude and policy towards North Korea and call for dialogue and engagement with North Korea.KCF and NCCK will provide brief background information to WCC Asia Office and that will go along with the appeal.WCC General Secretary will also write a letter to President Lee Myung Bak.CCA will disseminate the appeal as well.
4. Regarding Common Projects and Support for Ongoing Projects of KCF, it was agreed thatThe Forum will financially support the management of noodle factory, bakery and greenhouse which are under the KCF. The KCF will prepare an estimate of the running cost of these projects , prepare a simple proposal. When it is finalized, the proposal to Forum members for contribution will be sent.Rev. Chae will do a research on the cost of installing solar panels at these fields and send it to the Steering Committee members for discussion.Using the information gathered, a proposal to be prepared to include:Running cost of noodle factory, bakery and greenhouse including staff salary, transportation, electricitySolar energy generating systemIt was also suggested that if there was a chance to have an income-generating part connected to the ongoing programs, such as an additional production line at either of the factories whose produce could be sold locally, EED would be able to finance such an endeavour, even if in the early stages there would not be any surplus.
5. Regarding Ecumenical Visit to North Korea,
it was agreed to schedule the Forum ecumenical visit to North Korea on the first two weeks of October 2008. A letter of invitation to Forum members will be sent as soon as the KCF confirms the dates.
6. Regarding the 25th Tozanso Anniversary Consultation in 2009,It was agreed that the international ecumenical consultation to mark the 25th anniversary of the Tozanso process will be held in Hong Kong in November 2009.Participants:About 50-70 participants in total5 participants from KCF, including at least 1 womanTo ensure continuity as well as to develop interest and commitment from new church leadership, participants will be a mix of those who have been involved in the Tozanso process over the years and present key figures in the churches and ecumenical community who will be able to commit their churches and organizations and carry out the work for Peace and reunification in the Korean PeninsulaWCC will coordinate and facilitate the ConsultationMembers of the Forum are requested to contribute to the expenses of the organization of the Consultation.Initial plans/suggestions for program and activitiesVisits of WCC’s Living Letters teams to North Korea, South Korea and JapanA public event/or worship service –invite HK churches, ecumenical bodies, regional organizations, diplomatic corps based in HK
7. Next Meeting of the Forum: It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Forum in conjunction with the Tozanso Process 25th anniversary consultation in Hong Kong in November 2009.
8. Communication Strategies of Forum
The website will serve as a vehicle to provide general information about the Forum, inform/update Forum members on developments in or related to the Korean Peninsula, activities of the Forum and activities of Forum members related to work on peace, reunification and development cooperation in the Korean Peninsula. Rev. Chae as Forum coordinator will oversee and regularly update the website. Steering committee members will monitor news/ developments from their regions and send to Rev. Chae
9. The budget for 2008 is approved by the steering group for the Forum activities and Contributions Pledged are as follows:NCCK 10,000.00UCC Canada 10,000.00EMS Germany 6,039.00NCCJ 2,000.00_______Total $28,039.00
10. Chair of the Ecumenical Forum & Steering Committee:
It was proposed and decided that Dr. Matthews George ( WCC) will continue as the chair of the Forum and Steering Committee until the next meeting of the Forum in 2009.
2008-09-18 02:38:31
- NCCJ report
- NCCJ"s involvement with Korean Peninsula
Toshimasa Yamamoto
National Christian Council in Japan (NCC-J)
NCCJ"s involvement with democratization process in Korea
The NCCJ"s relationship with Korean Peninsula in the recent modern history is highlighted and underlined with the involvement of the democratization process in South Korea. According to the "Letters from South Korea", which was a 15-year long series of moving stories carried in the monthly magazine, "Sekai," from the May issue of 1973 to the March issue of 1988, it is clear that NCCJ was with people of South Korea and with the KNCC as a counterpart. These articles told the world about the Korean politicians, religious persons, writers, and journalists, students and workers who stood up against their nation"s military regime in pursuit of restoring democracy. The letters were written by a certain anonymous "T. K."At that time, this underground correspondence was organized by a Christian group in Korea, and"T. K." in Tokyo and they compiled the documents together with others then wrote the "letter from South Korea."In 2003, the Christian group in Korea held a press conference and disclosed the whole story of the underground project. "T. K." was finally identified as Dr. Chi Myung-gwan."Letters from South Korea" was a great achievement for Korea"s democratization movement, and at the same time, it was a product of unprecedented solidarity between the Christians of Japan and of Korea. The whole scope of the project needs to be re-appropriated in light of the church history of these two countries. It also was the product of a global ecumenical Christian network since so many people, including missionaries and individuals from Europe and North America, were involved and committed to this project.61 years after WWII, Japan is changing ahead into a country, which is capable of initiating a war. Japanese government is in the process of changing Peace Constitution, targeting article 9.It is Article 9, the "war-denouncing clause," that bears the most upon the future course of Japan. As democratization in Korea becomes more mature, this might be a time for Japanese Christians to ask our Korean friends for support of"democratization " in Japan."
Humanitarian Aid to DPRK
The Japanese government pledged, when former Prime Minister Koizumi met Mr. Kim Jong IL in Pyongyang on May 22, 2004 for the second time, that they would provide $40 million to WFP. The WFP did purchase 125,000 tons of grain and other food items for delivery using funds from Japan. The Japanese government also provides $5milion to Unicef and other health organizations such as WHO formedical aid. Before this pledge, the Japanese government sent 100,000 tons of rice to the DPRK in 2001. The provision of food assistance through WFP was the fifth of its kind since Japan had sent 67,000 tons of rice in October 1997.The way that the Japanese government sends their assistance to DPRK is that under the aid program, Japan contributes funds to WFP to purchase the rice from Japan"s own stockpile. Therefore, it is, in a sense, a good way for the Japanese government to get rid of their left over rice before it pilesup in the warehouses.The assistance of the Japanese government to DPRK stopped in 2004 due toissues surrounding the case of the" Japanese abductees " and the missile testsof the DPRK.On the NGO level, as food shortages persist in DPRK, Japanese NGOs have been continuing their efforts to send their humanitarian aid, even with a limited amount, to the DPRK since 1995. NCCJ has been closely working with NGOs in Japan such as RCCJ (Relief Campaign Committee for Children, Japan) of which JVC (Japan International Volunteer Center), Earth Tree, the Caritas Japan and Kansai based HANKnet-Japan. NCC-J has sent edible oil, flour, medicine, maize, bicycles, new factory outlet garments and infant cereal. (Please sees the details of our shipment with an attached chronological summary report.) Funding has been a big problem for all the NGOs in Japan as donations from the general public varies depending on the political situation in the DPRK and its relationship with Japan. There was also a growing sense of " Aid Fatigue " around the year 2000 on the part of many NGOs and many decided to withdraw from their involvement with humanitarian aid work to the DPRK. At the moment the Kansai based HANKnet-Japan is still sending infant milk powder to the DPRK.
Diplomatic relations with DPRK.
It is a historical fact that Japan was directly involved in the peninsula as its colonizer for about 35 years, and that the Korean Peninsula was divided by the United States and the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. Although Japan established normal relations with South Korea in 1965, it still has no diplomatic ties with DPRK 61 years after the war"s end. Japan was moving to restarting stalled talks aimed at establishing diplomatic relations with the DPRK after the Summit between former Prime Minister Koizume and Mr. Kim Jong Il four years ago. When the Pyongyang declaration was issued, NCCJ sent a letter of congratulations to Mr. Koizumi, which was very unusual as we always send a letter of protest or demands to him, on the success of the meeting that he opened the new door for the diplomatic relations. We gave him credit for his eagerness to move things forward but it has not been producing all the expected results. On the contrary, it created a"@massive negative campaign against the DPRK by the Japanese media due to theinformation released by the DPRK at the Pyongyang Summit on the " Japanese abductees " stating that many of them had already died.A group of conservative lawmakers submitted a bill to bar DPRK ships from entering Japan and this bill was cleared at the Diet in July, 2004 as a result of the negative campaign. The Diet also has revised the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law to enable the government to unilaterally impose economic sanctions on the DPRK, including a halt to cash remittances. As we all know that these laws and sanctions are imposed after nuclear testing in Oct, 2006.
2008-09-18 02:34:19
- a statement of the North Korean Freedom Act
-
(2004.03.05)The Korean Civil Society Expresses a Grave Concern over the North Korean Freedom Act of 2003
On March 2, 2004, around one hundred South Korean NGOs, human rights activists, and lawyers came together to discuss the North Korean Freedom Act of 2003 that is in the legislative process in the United States Congress, in Seoul, Korea. They express a deep concern over the potential risk the North Korean Freedom Act may pose to the human rights situation in North Korea, and peace in the Korean Peninsula.
Basic Perspective
We, the participants, recognize the dire situation in North Korea where the people"s right to food have been violated due to the severe food shortage since 1995. There have been reports of human rights abuse in North Korea by those who have left the country; consequently, we are very concerned about the potential human rights situation in North Korea. At the same time, we believe that a practical and reasonable approach should be pursued to address such concerns.
We, raise a common concern that the North Korean human rights issues must be addressed from a well-balanced perspective, and it should not be used to serve political purpose. We agree that the right to food of the North Korean people must be given a priority, and humanitarian assistance should not be used as a political tool.
When discussing the human rights in the Korean Peninsula, it should also be reminded that maintaining a peaceful coexistence of South and North Korea must be assumed. We believe that assisting the economic reconstruction of North Korea will pave the way for improving human rights conditions in North Korea.
In reviewing the North Korean Freedom Act, we have following comments presently:
Our Observation on the North Korean Freedom Act of 2003
Regarding Part 2: discusses the United States assistance to encourage a massive flow of North Korean defectors and to support their settlement in the United States. However, such a massive flow may only increase social instability in North Korea without improving the actual conditions of North Korean human rights. Since the outflow of North Korean refugees is originally driven by the food shortage, building refugee camps or coordinating a massive flight without resolving the food crisis would not solve the fundamental problem.
Regarding Part 3: Providing around the clock broadcasting to North Korea and distributing radios to North Koreans will likely to contribute to negative atmosphere in the diplomatic negotiations that are underway.
Regarding Part 4: the North Korean human rights issues in any negotiations between the United States and North Korea will likely to create negative effects on the ongoing efforts to make a peaceful resolution of the nuclear problem in Korea Peninsula.
The South Korean civil society comprised of various NGOs and human rights organizations is committed to give a careful account of discussion on the North Korean Freedom Act of 2003 in the U.S. Congress and plans to deliver its position in more concrete terms in the near future.
Signed:
Lawyers for a Democratic Society, SARANGBANG Group for Human Rights, Good Friends, Peace and Disarmament of the PSPD(Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy), Catholic Human Rights Committee in Korea, The Human Rights Committee of the NCCK(The National Council of Churches in Korea), Civil Network for A Peaceful Korea, Korea Reunification Alliance for 6.15 Joint Declaration attainment and Peace in Korea
2008-09-18 02:19:09
- Let There Be Peace! (Church Women's Alliance for P
- (2003.03.31)Let There Be Peace! "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden form your eyes." (Luke 19:42) These days President Bush"s United States Government has divided the world into good and evil, as a basis for confrontation. It is revealing its imperialistic character in seeking to dominate the world as its supreme military power. Now, the attack of the US on Iraq is in its countdown phase and may be underway as these words are written. Yet again, humanity has been brought to a point of crisis by the violence of the United States. However, the voices of peace are spreading and are like crying stones (Luke 19:40). Now is the time when Korean Church Women must choose peace as they have suffered too much through a history of violence. Korean Church Women are against any attack of the United States on Iraq. The Bush Administration will carry out this terrible, dark war for the benefit of the United States alone. The supposed relationship between Iraq"s Government and Al Qaeda and the development of Iraq"s weapons of mass destruction threatening the United States have not been clearly shown to the world. International society is strongly objecting to this imperialistic attitude but the Bush Administration is totally ignoring our determination and viewpoint. Therefore, President Bush has lost his credibility amongst the family of nations-the international community. Even in his own country the people do not fully support his justification of his violence against Iraq as being a moral and just obligation. However, Korean Church Women, who follow Jesus Christ who came to bring peace on Earth, are against this war which cannot bring security and peace for our nation. Korean Church Women request the Korean Government to reject the demands of the United States for support in the battle against Iraq. The Bush Administration has declared that it will attack Iraq without any agreement from the United Nations. It has also sought support for the attack and the provision of human resources, including medical volunteers, for the rebuilding of the Iraqi nation after the war. In view of the relationship between S. Korea and the US, the S. Korean Government will probably agree to this demand. So far, our priority has been to solve the nuclear issue with North Korea peacefully. This is the basic principle for good relations between the South and the North. If the S. Korean Government agrees to the demands of the United States, it will lose the trust and moral support of the international community. Korean Church Women have had to think about Iraqi women and children. Therefore Korean Church Women reject the demands of the United States for support in the war against Iraq and request the S. Korean Government to re-examine the strong diplomatic relationship with the United States. Korean Church Women desire a peaceful resolution to the threat of war with Iraq and that of the nuclear situation in the North. The United States does not accept the demands of the North despite its making its position clear as regards the nuclear issue and its desire for a peaceful resolution of this matter. The Bush Administration does not exclude the possibility of war on the Korean Peninsula in pursuance of its efforts to force North Korea to give up its nuclear capability. Korean Church Women are against any development of nuclear power. They also oppose the attitude of the United States which could drive the Korean Peninsula to a crisis of conflict. Also, Korean Church Women want to inspire our Government so that it never gives up discussions and negotiations for a peaceful resolution with North Korea. They do not want another war crisis in our land. Korean Church Women desire to continue the movement for peace by joining with Church Women around the world. They want to further the drive for peace and resist any violence which pushes them into a war crisis. Korean Church Women declare that our world is a place for peace and they will strive to pursue the cause of peace until it is a reality for all people. March 13, 2002Church Women"s Alliance for Peace and Against War.
2008-09-18 02:10:46
