Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Fides Service) – The figures are frightening: it is estimated that in South Korea at least 4.000 women abort a child every day and this means that about 1,5 unborn babies are denied a chance to live. In this situation the “Life 31 Movement”, started by Mons. Peter Lee Ki-heon, has launched a new pro-life campaign to stop abortion, cloning, capital punishment, euthanasia, suicide, and also war and all forms of violence against human life.
The title of the campaign, which started in parishes, associations, schools, public places about a week ago, is “Save another life”, and it involves many young people. The campaign consists of public demonstrations, cultural events, formation seminars, theatre and musical performances, photographic exhibitions. All these initiatives demonstrate the value and sacredness of human life which must be protected from conception to natural death..
Cardinal Stephen Kim emeritus Archbishop of Seoul was present at the official launching of the campaign. He told Fides “at the root of the crisis in our societies today with frightening increase in the numbers of abortions, suicides, is lack of respect for the value and sacredness of life. Life is the most important thing in the world! It bears within it the seed of eternal life, because every human being is made in the image and likeness of God”.
“Life 31” was started in February 2003 and it takes its name from the fact that 2003 is the 31st year since a law to legalise abortion was passed in South Korea. The movement calls for the law to be abolished together with a law allowing the death penalty. Members of the movement told Fides, “we must promote a culture of life in Korea to oppose the culture of destruction of mankind which is stealing into our society. Our movement is supported also by members other religions”, and this means the campaign can go beyond the Christian world. In fact Buddhist leaders in Korea also attend events organised by “Life 31”. (PA) (Fides Service 18/11/2003 lines 34 words 385)
