Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - In this month of September the Catholic Church in South Korea is actively increasing awareness on the sensitive issue of respect for human life. After the publication by the Catholic Church Movement Life 31 of a book illustrating the Christian position with regard to human life, a pastoral statement including a 'decalogue for protecting life' has been distributed to parishes and schools, media and newspapers. The pastoral statement includes also official requests to the national leaders.
The document was illustrated during a recent gathering in Seoul, of at least 4,000 people dedicated to the issue of respect human life which concluded with a Mass in the cathedral presided by the Archbishop of Seoul Cardinal Nicholas Cheong.
In the part containing resolutions of principle, the document states:
- We proclaim the Gospel of life;
- We oppose capital punishment and all forms of terrorism and violence;
- We condemn research on human embryos and cloning which offend the dignity of human life;
- We are committed to protecting human life at all times and in every way.
We call on the government to:
- Not to authorise the use of human life for industrial purposes;
- To abolish the Mother and Child Health Law which encourages abortion;
- To ban research on human embryo and human cloning;
- To abolish the death penalty;
- To promote policies which encourage married couples to have children and natural child birth.
The document, presented to the government, will be discussed and given careful attention especially with regard to the request to abolish the death penalty and the Mother and Child Health Law. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2007 righe 28 parole 286)
