Statement
Message of the CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People, February 2018
Message of the CBCK Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People, February 2018
- Written at the start of 2018 by Bishop Peter Lee Ki-heon, President of the Committee for the Reconciliation of the Korean People.
- Reflects on political turmoil in South Korea (presidential impeachment, early election) and heightened tensions due to North Korea’s nuclear threats.
Key Themes:
- Hope for Peace:
- Pope Francis urged prayers for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- The upcoming 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics seen as a “peace festival” and a turning point for dialogue and stability.
- Steps Toward Reconciliation:
- Reopening of communication channels and military hotlines between North and South Korea.
- North Korea’s participation in the Olympics (athletes, cheering squad, performers) as a sign of progress.
- Biblical Foundation for Peace:
- References to Isaiah 2:4 and John 14:27: true peace comes from love, respect, and understanding, not weapons or power.
- Calls for denuclearization and overcoming division through dialogue and trust-building.
- Principles for Unity:
- Accept differences without discrimination.
- Respect and fraternal affection as fundamental principles of peace.
- Vision:
- Olympics as a symbol of unity and hope for global peace.
- Encourages prayers so the event becomes a meaningful step toward reconciliation and eventual unification.
Message-of-the-CBCK-Committee-for-the-Reconciliation-of-the-Korean-People-20180119-pdf.pdf