An Urgent Appeal for Peace and Reconciliation of Korea
The 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 3-10, 2010. Among many items of business and issues, the Assembly adopted "An Urgent Appeal for Peace and Reconciliation of Korea." We are deeply concerned about the increased tensed situation on the Korean peninsula. People of Korea have suffered over 60 years of division, tension and separation and alienation since the devastingwar of 1950-1953. Korea is in the state of war, and the the Korean war has not ended yet. In order to ending the war in Korea, we believe strongly the armistice agreement which signed in 1953 must be replaced with a just and lasting peace treaty between North and South Korea, brokered by the United Nations, and endorsed by the United States and other powers with interests in the region. Attached below is the Appeal statement of PCUSA.
-Insik Kim-
Whereas Jesus Christ came into the world as the Prince of Peace, and Jesus calls us to be peacemakers; and
Whereas, the people in North and South Korea have suffered over 60 years of division, tension, separation and alienation since the devastating war of 1950-1953; and
Whereas, we are deeply concerned about the precarious situation in the Korean Peninsula following the recent hostilities and the decision of South and North Korea to cut off all communications links; and
Whereas, Korea remains in a state of war, and the current crisis of confrontation between North and South Korea carries the great potential to ignite a major conflagration on the Korean peninsula and beyond; and
Whereas, in order to bring a lasting resolution to the fundamental issues on the Korean peninsula, the present armistice agreement on Korea, the truce signed in 1953, should be replaced with a peace agreement that brings an end to the Korean War and provides a foundation for lasting peace on the Korean peninsula; and
Whereas, PC(USA) partner churches in South and North Korea and ecumenical bodies support strongly the peace and reconciliation of the Korean peninsula.
Therefore, the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):
1) Expresses its solidarity with the people of Korea in their search for peace, reconciliation and reunification on the Korean peninsula.
2) Renews its commitment to pray and work for peace, justice and reconciliation in Korea for the well being of all Koreans.
3) Urges the governments of South and North Korea to reopen communications with each other and to engage in genuine dialogue that reduces tensions on the peninsula, and leads to concrete steps toward peace and reconciliation.
4) Calls for an end to inflammatory rhetoric by all parties and any suggestion that the conflicts can be resolved by a resort to military action.
5) Supports strongly the replacement of the present armistice agreement with a just and lasting peace treaty between North and South Korea, brokered by the United Nations, and endorsed by the United States and other powers with interests in the region.
6) Prays for the day when the people of Korea will live as one family in a reunified, free and peaceful nation.
7) Directs the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) to convey our convictions to the President of the United States, the Congress, the United Nations, the governments of North and South Korea, the Presbyterian Churches of Korea, and our ecumenical partners.