Letter of solidarity to Bp.Kang
October 12, 2011
His Excellency
The Most Rev. Peter Kang U-il
... ... Bishop of Cheju
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea
Your Excellency,
+Peace of Christ
With my respect to Your Excellency, priests, the women religious, the faithful and the local people who are protesting against the construction of a navy base in Gangjeong village of Cheju Island, I would like to announce that the Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace upholds and supports your activities.
During the Third Asia Inter-Religious Conference on Article 9 of the Japanese Peace Constitution, which was held in Okinawa from October 5 to 7, 2011, we heard the report by Prof. Cho Young Bae about the issue of the construction of a US base in Gangjeong village. The destruction of beautiful nature by using undemocratic methods in disregard of the will of the people is not acceptable. Moreover, the government is not allowed to use violent measures. We sincerely hope that the beautiful nature and scenery of the Cheju Island will be preserved.
This issue is quite similar to our activities to protest against the construction of a new Navy base in Henoko, Okinawa. The Japanese government is now trying to forcibly advance the construction work in the context of the US-Japan agreement in spite of the objection from prefectural residents, governor, and assemblies. If the construction work progresses, the beautiful nature where dugongs are living will be destroyed.
These two Navy bases in Cheju Island and Okinawa will surely become huge obstacles for Asian peace. Peace is brought about neither by armed forces nor violence, but by dialogue.
We are going to pray and work in solidarity with Your Excellency and those who are protesting against the construction of the Navy base, in order to stop the construction in Gangjeong village, restore peace in Cheju Island, and build peace in Asia.
I take this opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my ardent prayer for Our Father to grant the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Devotedly yours in our Lord,
+Marcellinus Daiji Tani
Bishop of Saitama
Chairman
Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace