We are not giving up on reconciliation

Mar 22, 2025

SEOUL: The Archdiocese of Seoul’s National Reconciliation Committee celebrated its 30th anniversary, March 12, with a Mass of thanksgiving at Myeongdong Cathedral. The special service was led by Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul, pic, alongside his predecessor Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea Msgr Giovanni Gaspari, and other clergy, religious, and lay people.

In his remarks, Archbishop Chung reflected on the origins of the committee, which was founded on March 1, 1995, 50 years after the division of Korea and 45 years after the Korean War. The committee’s creation followed Cardinal Stephen Kim Soo-hwan’s announcement of his intention to visit North Korea, marking a significant step in efforts for reconciliation.

“Over the last 30 years, this committee has worked tirelessly to promote a pastoral vision focused on prayer, education, research, and dialogue,” Archbishop Chung noted. “Our commitment includes the Mass for reconciliation and national unity, which has been celebrated every Tuesday at Myeongdong Cathedral, with 1,457 Masses already held.”

Addressing the ongoing challenges on the Korean peninsula, Archbishop Chung expressed disappointment over the current state of inter-Korean relations, describing the situation as one marked by discord and division. “It is disheartening that the situation is characterised by hatred rather than love, and division rather than unity. However, our journey toward reconciliation is far from over,” he said, urging for renewed courage and commitment to the mission of peace and evangelisation.

The archbishop concluded by stressing the need for a collective effort to heal the divisions that have persisted for 80 years on the Korean peninsula. “To move forward into a new era, we must start with a conversion of hearts,” he said. “I hope that our Diocesan Reconciliation Committee can collaborate not only with other organisations and members within the Church but also with all religions, civil society, and political groups that seek a new path toward unity and peace.” --AsiaNews