PROTEST / PRAYER GATHERING

The issues around the presidency of Park Geun Hye are becoming very glaring as the nation approaches the first anniversary of her term in office. Questions about interference of NIS (National Intelligence Service) in the election have not been answered, and the conviction is rising that the election itself was illegal. There is much anger in the country, and faith groups have been calling for answers and positive action.

NCCK held a protest/prayer gathering at Daehanmun in the middle of Seoul on Dec. 16 with the theme “For Recovery of Justice, Peace and Democracy”. More than 500 came out in the cold winter afternoon with the confession that the values of justice and democracy have collapsed in present-day Korea. Their wish and demand is that President Park squarely deal with the issue of election illegality.

Rev. Huh Won Bae, the Chairperson of the Justice and Peace Committee preached on the text of Mark 3:29, the ‘unforgiveable sin’. His reasoning was the President should draw respect from the people by service to them, and by not listening to the voice of the people, she is crushing society.

Statement read by Salvation Army Commander Lee Jae Song and Anglican priest Kim Hee Young pointed to the ‘red scare’ being spread by the government to cover up rage at election fraud, and questions of injustice and corruption, and demanded that the security state stop. They stressed that as we celebrate the coming of Jesus as Prince of Peace we must begin a crusade against untruth, injustice and illegality to bring Justice and Peace to this land.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion was held, presided over by an interdenominational group representing different districts of the country and a variety of confessional backgrounds. Our prayer is that the country will overcome conflict and antagonism, recovering its fallen democracy and becoming one with the leading of God.