ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Bishops: "Be a poor Church for the poor"

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Our ministry now has a clear aim: to be a poor Church for the poor. Pope Francis' visit in Korea, in August 2014, is a starting point for the change and renewal of the Korean Church". This is what His Exc. Mgr. Igino Kim Hee-Joong, Archbishop of Gwangju and President of the Episcopal Conference of Korea says speaking to Agenzia Fides. The Archbishop is at the Vatican for the ad limina Apostolorum visit.
"This visit is very valuable for the Korean Church, especially for us Bishops who have the opportunity to renew our hearts", said Mgr. Kim.
"Despite being a minority in Korea – he continues - Catholics have good influence in society, thanks to social work and education. But today the emphasis is on being a poor Church and for the poor, as Pope Francis said. This is why the Bishops have created a special financial fund which will be used to help the poor, even for the benefit of other Churches of Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia".
This approach is inspired by the mercy of the Gospel: "Mercy means to have a heart open to all, not only for our brothers or within the Church, but also towards non-Christians, helping those in need, without distinction", explains the President of the Episcopal Conference.
"The Church in Korea – he concludes - continues its mission to be a bridge of evangelization for Asia, especially towards countries such as China and North Korea". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/03/2015)


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