WCC News: WCC deeply concerned by escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern over developments on the Korean Peninsula, and escalating tensions and conflict risk in the region. On the North Korean side of the De-militarised zone (DMZ), a soldier from DPRK walks through the DMZ between the North and South Korea.  Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth 16 October 2024 On 15 October, North Korea blew up the northern sections of road and rail routes that once linked it with South Korea. “While the demolition of these unused routes was largely symbolic, it amplifies the new policy declared by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January, wherein he officially severed relations with South Korea and abandoned the long-stated goal of achieving peaceful Korean re-unification,” said Pillay. “This demonstration of intent further accelerates the increasing tensions and confrontation between North and South, following claims by the North that the South had flown drones over its capital Pyongyang.” Recent reports also noted that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia, as well as providing armaments to support Russia’s invasion and war in Ukraine. During a meeting with prime minister Han Duk-soo, Pillay reiterated the WCC’s call for restraint and measures to reduce tensions, and for engagement in dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and conflict on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in other situations of conflict and tension around the world.  One month ago, in September 2024, the WCC general secretary and senior staff participated in events marking the centenary of the National Council of Churches in Korea, where a major focus was on the history and future of ecumenical efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula.  “While participants acknowledged the depth of the current low point of division and confrontation between North and South, they committed to renewed and strengthened efforts for peaceful co-existence in the region and unity of the Korean people, despite the diverging trajectories of the two countries,” said Pillay. “Indeed, it is especially in such a difficult and challenging moment that the ecumenical commitment to just and sustainable peace must be reasserted and reinvigorated.” WCC comment on escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, 16 October 2024 Statement of the National Council of Churches in Korea See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland