WCC News: WCC urges swift deliberations from Constitutional Court of Korea to restore confidence in rule of law

In a letter to His Honour Justice Moon Hyung-bae, acting president of the Constitutional Court of Korea, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reiterated the WCC’s advocacy for the rule of law as a key constraint on abuses of political or economic power. At the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 02 April 2025 “Courts and legal tribunals at both national and international levels carry a solemn responsibility for adjudication of the law and for ensuring legal accountability for actions that threaten these values,” said Pillay. “Moreover, the WCC has a long history of working with and supporting churches and civil society partners in the Republic of Korea in their efforts for human rights and democracy and against military dictatorship.” Pillay noted that the WCC is closely following the current proceedings in the Constitutional Court of Korea regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.  “Indeed, in considering this matter, the Constitutional Court of Korea carries responsibility for a matter of profound and pivotal significance for the present and future of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea,” wrote Pillay. “It is inevitable that prolonged decisions on important matters would lead to chaos and the destabilisation of the country.” Pillay appealed to Justice Moon Hyung-bae to be swift in concluding deliberations, and through a ruling to restore confidence in the future of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea. “We continue to remember the people of South Korea in our prayers for peace and wisdom,” concluded Pillay.  Read the WCC letter to the Constitutional Court of 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland