ASIA/HONG KONG - Replace armed forces with negotiations: appeal to Korea by religious leaders in Hong Kong

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The prudence and wisdom by both sides, to replace armed forces with negotiation, and follow the principle of peace and give highest importance to human life. The appeal launched by religious leaders of the six major religions was expressed in these terms during a meeting in Hong Kong following the conflict which broke out in Korea. According to reports from Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), after the bombing of the island of Yeonpyeong, in South Korea, on 23 November, a prayer meeting for peace was held on Monday, 29 November at the Cultural Center headquarters of the Buddhist Union in Hong Kong. Religious leaders in Hong Kong expressed the hope that the world's political leaders know how to preserve and protect the world and all creation. According to information obtained during the meeting, on the island of Yeonpyeong there are 452 local Catholics. So far none of them are confirmed dead or wounded. The Commission for Reconciliation of the Episcopal Conference of South Korea urged dropping weapons. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 30/11/2010)