세계교회협의회 남북 대결 우려 표명
천안함 사태 ‘정부 당국이 상호 대화와 평화 공존으로’ 해결해야 입장 밝혀.
세계교회협의회 올라프 총무는 6월 3일 본회 권오성 총무와 회원교단 총무들에게 천안함 사태 이후 <한반도에서 벌어지는 긴장 국면에 대한 관심과 연대>라는 제목의 서신을 보내왔다.
올라프 총무는 서신에서 희생자들에 대한 위로와 함께 한국기독교교회협의회와 회원교단들이 밝혔듯 “정부 당국이 상호 대화와 평화 공존으로 나가야 한다”는 것에 지지를 보낸다고 밝혔다.
울라프 총무는 동 서신에서 ‘교회의 경험은 폭력이 그 어느 곳에서도 분쟁을 안정시키는 방법이 아님을 알고 있다’말하고 ‘이번 천안함 문제에 대해서도 상호 대화와 평화 공존으로 나갈 수 있기를 바란다’며 WCC는 한반도의 평화와 정의, 화해, 통일을 위한 지속적인 연대와 기도를 할 것이라고 밝혔다.
전문(영문)
Expression of Concern and Solidarity on
Tensions in the Korean Peninsula
Letter to the Churches and the National Council of Churches in South Korea
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
It is with deep concern that I write this to you as the people of the Korean
peninsula face, yet again, another precarious situation, that is, the recent
tragedy of the sinking of the Cheonan in which forty-six sailors lost their
lives. We pray that the Lord almighty will console the bereaved families and
friends and give them hope and strength to withstand the challenges ahead.
While we join with the people and the churches in South Korea in their
national grief, we also share your common concern that the unfolding events
have endangered the prospects for peace on the Korean peninsula and also
in the entire North East Asia region. The recent events confirm the fears
expressed earlier by the World Council of Churches that the Korean
peninsula remains a flashpoint in the North East Asia region and has the
potential to ignite a major conflagration, unless the international
community, especially the six-party talk nations, try to ensure lasting peace
on the Korean peninsula.
Experience has shown us that violence can never be the way to settle
disputes either on the Korean peninsula or anywhere else. Therefore, the
World Council of Churches reiterates its strong condemnation of all sorts of
violence.
As you know that the World Council of Churches has been playing a
pioneering role in initiating and supporting peace, reconciliation and
reunification of the Korean peninsula. In this regard the WCC has been
accompanying the Korean churches for more than a quarter of a century,
ever since the Tozanso process was initiated by the Churches Commission
on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches.
The Tsuen Wan / Hong Kong Consultation in 2009 to commemorate the 25th
anniversary of the Tozanso process strongly affirmed that “"the gospel of
Jesus Christ commits Christians to work against evil, injustice and suffering
in all its forms, and to pray and work for God’"s justice, peace and unity in
the world. The Korean people have suffered for too long from their forced
division. They are one people, one culture, one nation, yet they remain
divided. Justice demands that they be reunited in peace and in common
commitment to one another.”"
The World Council of Churches appreciates and commends the role of the
Korean churches in their efforts to continue and strengthen their advocacy
for a peaceful resolution even at this time of crisis. In this context, we
welcome the statement of the National Council of Churches in Korea, which
calls upon all who wield powers to remember that “"even in this difficult time,
authorities should not give up an effort of mutual dialogue and of opening a
way of reconciliation and co-existence on the Korean peninsula.”" We also
take this opportunity to reiterate the global ecumenical family’"s commitment
for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. As the Tsuen Wan
Communiqué stated, the need for today is to encourage “"the international
community to allow space and time for direct negotiations between North
and South Korea towards a lessening of tensions between them and towards
peace, reconciliation and reunification.”" The WCC, as it has in the past, will
continue to extend its solidarity to the people of Korea, North and South, and
accompany them in their quest for peace, reconciliation and reunification of
Korea.
The present situation presents the churches and Christians in Korea with
enormous challenges. As the churches in Korea continue to be engaged in a
mission of peace and reconciliation, I assure WCC’"s member constituencies
in Korea that the World Council of Churches will continue to pray and
accompany you and work together with all of you while you patiently
persevere in your struggles for justice, peace, reconciliation and reunification
on the Korean peninsula.
May the Prince of Peace further empower and equip us in our journey
together.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary
