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The statement welcomes this “historic and courageous judgment, which reaffirms the integrity of our constitutional democracy and restores the principles of justice and the rule of law.”
The statement also describes the ruling as a solemn moral and legal reckoning against the abuse of power and a significant step toward safeguarding the democratic order. “We offer our deep respect to the Constitutional Court justices, who have borne the weight of this profound responsibility and arrived at their decision through careful deliberation grounded in justice, conscience, and the common good,” reads the statement. "In recent months, our nation has endured heightened polarization and social unrest.”
The process of impeachment has not been without conflict or pain, the statement acknowledges. “Yet, through constitutional and lawful means, the people of Korea have held those in power accountable for an attempted illegal imposition of emergency rule,” the text reads.
The statement calls upon all to receive the court’s decision with humility and civic maturity.
“As we move forward, the Republic of Korea must now turn from division toward healing, from political strife toward reconciliation,” reads the statement. “We urge political leaders—both in government and the opposition—to act with integrity and responsibility in the service of democracy and the rebuilding of public trust.”
The statement also appeals to public officials to respond with wisdom and compassion to the concerns and suffering of the people, and to guide the nation through this time of transition with clarity and accountability.
WCC general secretary, the Rev Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, stated “We are so pleased that this process is now completed, and a decision has been ruled that is in line with most people in South Korea. Our prayer is that calm, stability and peace would now return to the country and that the process of electing a new President would be concluded within the timeframe as stipulated in the constitution, and that the new President elected would enjoy majority support. We continue to journey with the NCCK and hold the people of South Korea in our prayers.”
