On Thursday, the Korean Council of Religious Leaders announced in Seoul that they would respect each other’s official national titles to promote peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. The religious elders urged North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) to pursue dialogue and cooperation, expressing hope for meetings between religious figures from both Koreas.
The Council emphasized the need to move beyond hostile language and restore mutual respect. They conveyed that peace begins with respecting each other’s names.
Signatories included former Catholic Bishops’ Conference Chairman Kim Hee-jung, former Jogye Order Secretary-General Wonhaeng, former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Kim Young-joo, former Won Buddhism Head O Do-cheol, former Cheondogyo leader Park Nam-soo, former Sungkyunkwan head Kim Young-geun, and former Korean Council of Ethnic Religions Chairman Lee Beom-chang.
The Council urged the media, civil society, academia, and religious communities to foster respectful language from a peaceful coexistence perspective. They called on the government to lead in opening dialogue and restoring trust on Korean Peninsula issues.
The Council asked North Korea to trust South Koreans’ commitment to peaceful coexistence. They explained that this meant protecting each other’s dignity and lives, not forcing submission.
Religious Elders Seek Dialogue Through National Titles
Former Chairman Kim Hee-jung saw national titles as a starting point for inter-Korean dialogue. He noted that when relations were good, they used terms like South and North Korea in the context of unification.
Kim added that the North has declared itself as two countries and amended their constitution. Using their official title might open a small channel in the stalled dialogue.
Kim clarified this as a plea from religious elders, not an official decision. He said that as retired leaders, it hopes the religious organizations will adopt the correct name for North Korea.
Kim cautioned against viewing the Koreas solely as hostile nations. Calling it hostile countries is an exaggeration. It’s two nations aspiring for peace, hoping to unite someday. This hope is the people’s enduring task.
Constitutional Conflict in Using Official Titles? Former Archbishop Kim Suggests Amendment
Addressing concerns about constitutional conflicts, Kim said, isn’t it considering constitutional amendments? This could be a preliminary step. Even the United Nations (UN) uses these titles. It should be more flexible.
Former NCCK Secretary-General Kim Young-joo emphasized that national titles reflect identity. He cited Georgia’s example, once a Soviet satellite. They asked to be called Georgia, not the Soviet term Gruzia, he explained.
Kim noted South Korea’s quick response to such requests, including Turkey’s change to Türkiye.
Kim believes using preferred names in inter-Korean relations could reduce hostility. He urged that as the same ethnicity, why distort their chosen title? It hopes the media will cooperate.
Archbishop Kim: Even a Massive Dam Can Collapse Through a Tiny Crack
He sees religious efforts as trust-building rather than grand political solutions. Religious leaders can initiate small acts to melt hearts and foster reconciliation, he explained.
Kim Young-joo recalled past church-led dialogues through international organizations. In 1984, church leaders met in Japan. The 1986 and 1988 Glion meetings maintained connections when official relations were strained.
Kim said religious leaders are seeking ways to contribute now. It often discusses what it can do in these challenging times, pooling the wisdom to find a role.
Monk Wonhaeng shared Buddhist community exchanges. He’s visited North Korea thrice, supporting agricultural and livestock projects. Even small efforts can foster exchange and reconciliation.
