Appeal of the Bishops for peace: “Only misery and catastrophe with war”

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

ASIA/SOUTH KOREA -

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Cheju (Agenzia Fides) – “Let us pray that the situation does not get any worse and does not become an open conflict. We pray that the Lord gives to all leaders and all of us the strength and light to overcome this crisis. Today we live in a time of great confusion and also of fear. We appeal to the leaders of South and North Korea as they meet and seek ways of dialogue”: said Bishop Peter Kang U-il of Cheju and President of the Episcopal Conference of South Korea in an interview with Fides, following the attack by Pyongyang on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong. According to the latest findings, in addition to two South Korean soldiers, two civilians were also killed in the attack.
The Bishop told Fides: “Today the South Korean government does not know yet the reasons for this attack which increases tension on the peninsula. It appears to be based on political tactics. Perhaps, they say, it is a way to divert attention from the dramatic internal problems: from the scarce information we have on the North, we know that the economic situation is very difficult, and there is hunger and misery.” However, said the Bishop, “I am sure that the leaders of the North know that war does not amount to anything, that it is just a catastrophe that hurts civilians. It is a situation that we should try to avoid at all costs.”

“I urge a strong intervention by the international community which cannot close its eyes to this situation. It also requires involving China, which has a power of influence over North Korea, to understand the roots and causes of this crisis”, remarked the Bishop.

“From the Universal Church we expect support through prayer for peace. Peace is not merely the fruit of human will or diplomatic actions, but also help from God. We ask the Holy Father to pray for us, for peace and for the good of the Korean people”, continued Bishop Kang. Hope does not die, he emphasized: “Conflict can only bring destruction; on peace, rather, you can build the future. There is hope because we continue to trust in the God's Providence.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/11/2010)

 

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