ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - The Church is committed to protecting and promoting human rights: message from Justice and Peace Commission of Korean Bishops’ Conference

Monday, 6 December 2004

Seoul (Fides Service) - “The Church has always worked to protect the inalienable rights of every human person and to promote respect for the human dignity of every person from birth to death and it will continue to do so”. This statement was part of a message issued by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Korean Bishops’ Conference on the occasion of Human Rights Day held in Korea on 6 December. Bishop Boniface Choi Ki-san of Inch’on, who is President of the Commission sent Fides a copy of the message with the title “The Culture of Love and Respect for Human Dignity”.
The test affirms: “Commitment for the cause of human rights and peace is a duty for Christians assigned by God”.
The Commission offers practical suggestions to the faithful: attention for the common good, based on respect for those whose opinions differ from our own; protect all life from any sort of abuse or manipulation; concern for violation of human rights on the part of public powers; care for the poor and the excluded who are denied fundamental human rights; extend commitment for human rights to North Korea and other Asian countries.
Referring to Pope John Paul II’s recent letter “Mane nobiscum Domine” which recalls: “the impulse which the Eucharist gives to the community for a practical commitment to building a more just and fraternal society” (n.28), the Bishop said that in this ‘Year of the Eucharist’ Catholics are called to give more attention to neighbour.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/12/2004 righe 28 parole 272)


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