SEOUL (SE): The 2023 Korean Peninsula Peace-Sharing Forum, held on November 18 at the Songsin Theological Campus of the Catholic University of Korea, brought together about 100 religious leaders, diplomats, clergy, activists, and laypeople to discuss “Ways Leading to Reconciliation and Peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Hosted by the Korea Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul, the forum addressed pressing issues surrounding the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, emphasising the need to move beyond the conflicts of the past toward a future of living and prospering together, according to a press release from the archdiocese.
“Culture of division under which mistrust and doubts are rampant dominates the atmosphere. Inter-Korean relations now must seek living and prospering together, marching beyond the 70 years of conflicts in the past.” Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, said in his opening remarks. He encouraged participants to reflect upon the obligation and duty of the Catholic Church as a mediator and reconciler for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
“Last September 16, Pope Francis received in Rome a group of pilgrims from the Catholic Church in Korea, inviting them to ‘entrust to Saint Andrew Kim Taegon the dream of peace of the Korean Peninsula,’ which is always in His ‘thoughts and prayers,’” said Monsignor Fernando Duarte Barros Reis, chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea.
The monsignor expressed confidence that the forum would provide an inspiring platform for exploring new and creative ways to bridge the gap between conflicting parties.
In-chon Yu, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted the global relevance of the discussions, stating, “Conflicts are erupting all over the world. I believe that today’s discussions taking place in such international situations would be more important than ever.”
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering understanding, reconciliation, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
