Bishops urge active participation in elections

Seoul (AsiaNews) –  The Easter message issued by the Archbishops of each South Korean diocese called the faithful to "social evangelization",  by participating in the general elections tomorrow.

"What we need now is the way of co-existence, reconciliation and unity," Most Reverend Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, Archbishop of Seoul stated on Sunday, asking the faithful to exercise their sacred right to vote during this time of significance in the destiny of the nation. 

Archbishop Paul Ri Moun-hi of Taegu said, "Celebrating Easter, we should live a life of great love and self-giving," and pointed to participation in the General Elections as an opportunity for South Koreans to practice this way of life.

"We Christians  have a unique point of reference, that is, Christ, and the truth of His Gospel," Archbishop of Kwangju, Most Reverende Andreas Choi Chang-mou stressed. " When we remain in the 'unity' which Jesus the Savior desires and prays for, while acknowledging the variety of opinions, we can realize a life of unity in diversity."

Catholic bishops have urged Catholics to "actively participate" in the elections  also with a pastoral letter titled "April 15th General Election and Common Good". In it, they say, "We need to consider if political parties and candidates dedicate themselves to the principle of the common good in society, and if their policies coincide with Church teachings."

The letter was approved during the plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea last month in Seoul.

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