Seoul (AsiaNews) - "Our present society is filled with various conflicts and divisions. We are facing problems such as the rise of materialism and atheism, and the lack of moral values. At such times, I believe the role of us men religious is very important," writes Mgr Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, archbishop of Seoul, in a message to South Korea's Buddhist community on the Buddha's birth.
In South Korea, Buddhists are the majority but a declining one; Christians are 20 per cent (60 per cent Catholic) and growing. In his message for the 2557th birthday of Buddha, the archbishop said, "At a time of tensions, religions are called to give a sign of peace and reconciliation as well as sharing and mercy in society."
"The most important thing for us is the spirituality of sharing, mercy and love," the message released by the Archdiocese' secretariat read. "We should take actions of love ahead of others and become the bigger sign of peace to the world."
"The harmonious coexistence between Buddhism and Christianity is a great model of peace to those in conflict situations. We should continue to work hard until this year's slogan of Buddha's Birthday comes true: 'hope in the world, happiness in our mind'."
"I pray that the Buddhist spirituality of love and sharing may be deeply rooted in our whole society."
