Seoul (AsiaNews) - A concrete commitment to promote a culture of life, defence of human life right from infancy, a greater sensitivity toward organ donation. These are the themes focused on by Korean Catholics in the first National Congress for Life, organized by the Commission for Life and the Korean Bishops' Conference on Bioethics.

The meeting was held in the Archdiocese of Seoul: 150 priests, lay people and experts came together to discuss the issues in Kkottongnae, a Christian community that assists the homeless and abandoned. The founders of the community hope that these people " they will realize the love of God and find peace as the children of God " The theme of the conference, which ended July 11 was " Towards the Culture of Life: Protect Embryos and Donate Organs”.  Many young people were present and pledged to organize a " Pro-life Youth Camp" by the end of summer. On 10 July, the participants unveiled a plaque commemorating the first national congress. They then spent the night in prayer after a torchlight procession and celebration of the Liturgy of the Word.

Bioethical issues are considered extremely important in South Korea, a country with a low birth rate and a government culture that tends to give the green light to practices such as abortion and euthanasia. The local Church has always been at the forefront of transforming this "Culture of Death" into a "Culture of Life."