Top Stories 25/01/07 Korean Catholic lawmakers urged to strive for hope, peace

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Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick asked lawmakers to join forces to achieve political stability

A demonstrator holds a placard that reads 'I will fight with President Yoon Suk Yeol' during a rally in support of the impeached South Korean president in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul on Jan. 4. (AFP)

By UCA News reporter

Published: January 09, 2025 12:28 PM GMT

Updated: January 09, 2025 12:36 PM GMT

A top Church leader in South Korea has urged Catholic lawmakers to strive to “become leaders who convey hope to the people” amid an ongoing political crisis in the country. 

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul asked the politicians to "think together about the grand vision of the country in the face of the challenges and tasks facing our times and society."

He also wanted them to "show us that you put your hearts and minds together for the nation's common good rather than for partisan interests."  

Chung made the remarks while celebrating New Year’s mass with Catholic lawmakers at the National Assembly building in the national capital Seoul on Jan. 7.

The lawmakers “have the responsibility to represent the people and realize the core values ​of faith, which are love and peace,” Chung said.

The event was attended by the nation’s 26 Catholic parliamentarians, from both the ruling and opposition parties, as well as Christian staff members of the National Assembly complex.

The Catholic Lawmakers’ Association organized the event.

Chung asked lawmakers to join forces to achieve political stability.

“Rather than making decisions based on short-term partisan interests, I ask that you put your heads together to think and see the big picture for the country's future,” he said.

South Korea has been in turmoil since early December after parliament attempted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following the declaration of martial law on Dec. 3. 

Hours later, martial law was withdrawn following a national and international backlash and Yoon’s desperate bid to avoid impeachment and consequent arrest.

The upheaval led to a clash between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Presidential Security Service, which were executing the first arrest warrant for a sitting president in South Korea’s history.

On Jan. 9, Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, told the media that the President would “accept” the decision of the Constitutional Court if it ruled for his “removal.”

Chung asked lawmakers “to do politics for the people and the country, not for the interests of individuals or parties.”

“Even amid political debate or conflict, I ask that you follow the example of Christ’s love and take the lead in achieving harmony and solidarity not only in politics but also in our entire society.”

“I urge the Christian lawmakers to preach the message of love and harmony and to take the lead in healing conflicts and divisions and strengthening social communities,” he added.

Ignatius Kim Byeong-gi, a Catholic and lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, said the words of Prophet Isiah inspire him to do the common good even in times of trouble.

“I will deeply engrave in my mind the words of the prophet Isaiah throughout this year. ‘Say to those who are troubled: Take heart. Do not be afraid. Behold, our God will come and save us,’” he said.

This is a translated and edited version of a report published by Good News, a news service managed by the Archdiocese of Seoul.