End Differences, Work for Progress and Development, says Korean Bishops

Seoul, Korea – In his Christmas message, Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin–suk of Seoul, Korea has have urged the political parties of the nation to bring an end to their differences and instead be united and devote themselves for the development of the people and the nation.

“Today's world finds itself in a situation so dark and gloomy that it is difficult to sing Christmas songs joyously,” he said.

Ceaseless threats of war and terror in all parts of the beautiful world God created bring "suffering and confusion," and the way the world thinks is "imbued with materialism, individualism and absurdity," he said, in his message, released on December 16.

The Seoul Archbishop said the pressing issues today are economic recovery and suffering people, but "politicians who are there to serve the people and look out for their welfare and happiness are not doing their duty."

They are disappointing people by "continuing in their exhausting political strife" and fanning the fire of "disruption," he charged, and "should face up to reality and devote their best efforts to promoting politics for the benefit of people."

Emphasizing the Church role in this dark reality, the 73–year–old archbishop said, "People are disheartened and wandering around, falling into sin and darkness," but "Jesus came to the center of the dark world."

"Our society and people are expecting the Church to be a beacon of light in the world and to regain the seed of hope. That's why our Church exists," the archbishop exhorted.

Archbishop Cheong added that just as Jesus brought the Good News to those who were in despair 2,000 years ago, the Church, too, would strive to bring hope and light to society by undergoing continual renewal.

Other Korean bishops also echoed Archbishop Cheong in their Christmas messages.

Bishop Gabriel Chang Bong–hun of Cheongju urged a politics of mutual cooperation. He described South Korean society as suffering from economic stagnation and a disruption of national consensus.

"All leaders in this land, especially politicians, should first step down from the high hill of conflict to the position of ordinary people," the bishop wrote, adding that wisdom was needed to end confrontation so all can step forward together hand in hand.

Auxiliary Bishop Mathias Lee Yong–hoon of Suwon said, "The year 2004 was a time of tumult, disruption and conflict. Lots of people suffering economic hardships watched useless political confrontations dejectedly."

During the year "there were no discussions, compromise or politics of mutual survival," he said, pointing out that politicians close their ears to opinions of others while shouting their political party's interests.

The "political, social and cultural justice and peace" which Jesus sought to establish is still far off, Bishop Lee said.

To proclaim and practice Jesus' authentic justice and peace, Christians need to "collect wisdom" and incarnate themselves in society as "little Jesuses" by "forsaking personal desires and sacrificing themselves for others," said the bishop.

Meanwhile, Bishop John Chrisostom Kwon Hyok–joo of Andong stressed Christians' prophetic role for the poorest people in society.

Just as ancient prophets worked for alienated widows and orphans, Christians need to care for "the poorest people in this age, including farmers, migrant workers, contractual workers, the jobless, handicapped and aged," he said.

The bishops' Christmas messages was printed in their respective diocesan weekly bulletins and read to parishioners at Christmas Masses.

In 2004, South Koreans found themselves sharply divided on political issues such as the failed attempt to impeach President Roh Moo–hyun and the ongoing campaign to repeal the National Security Law, which criminalizes acts in support of "the enemy," North Korea.

Moreover, South Korea is experiencing an economic downturn, with unemployment at a six–year high. Wider opening of South Korean markets to imported agricultural crops, including rice, also has hurt local farmers.