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Discussions focused on some critical issues: peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula, climate justice and sustainable development, humanitarian assistance to North Korea and sanctions.
Commitment to peaceful unification
Pillay raised the possibility that easing certain sanctions, the brunt of which are born by the people of North Korea, could help foster improved relations on the Korean Peninsula. Further, he stressed the need for humanitarian aid to reach the North Korean people particularly considering an ongoing outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. While there was great support for humanitarian assistance to North Korea, it was expressed that churches should ensure that such aid is distributed equitably to those most in need.
Also discussed was the WCC’s longstanding advocacy for Korean unification. Pillay reaffirmed the church’s mission in promoting peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the WCC’s role in facilitating dialogue and peaceful resolutions in our work with the NCCK and the Korean people, both in the South and North, over several decades.
Shared vision for climate justice
The conversation also focused on climate justice, particularly the WCC’s “Living Planet” agenda, as highlighted at the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022, and South Korea’s active participation in the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku in November this year. Discussions revolved around WCC’s leadership in addressing climate and environmental challenges, as well as South Korea’s ongoing initiatives to transition to carbon-free energy and reduce plastic consumption.
Pillay proposed that climate action could serve as a potential platform for peacebuilding between North and South Korea, given the shared interest in environmental sustainability, and the possibility that this approach could offer new avenues for cooperation and dialogue.
Strengthening collaboration
Pillay expressed deep gratitude to the prime minister for the South Korean government’s commitment to both peace and climate justice. He reiterated the WCC’s dedication to working alongside the National Council of Churches in Korea and the Ecumenical Forum for Korea to explore pathways to peace and advance the possibility of peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula. He stated that though there may be political challenges in the reunification process, yet it is the obligation and responsibility of the church to work towards reconciliation and healing of all people and creation, this is a gospel imperative that is pleasing to God.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further collaboration on the key areas of peace, unification, and climate justice.
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The WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, accompanied by Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC program director for Public Witness and Diakonia, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches in Korea Rev. Kim Jong Seng and other leaders from the NCCK met with South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo.
Office of the Prime minister of South Korea