Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - The Committee for Reconciliation of Korea of the Korean Episcopal Conference, in its annual meeting announced the publication of an “Annual Statement 2007 on Religious Freedom in North Korea.”
The Statement has been drawn up by the Committee itself, in cooperation with the “Center for Data Accumulation on Human Rights in North Korea.”
This is the first document of its kind published in Korea. It contains information on religious issues pertinent to North Korea, facts and statistics on religion, a historical description, the state of religious freedom, as well as, recorded cases of abuse and violations of freedom.
The Statement includes results of an opinion poll taken from among 755 North Korean refugees now living in South Korea. 85.7% of those asked say that there really is no religious freedom in North Korea. 98.7% state that they have never had a constant permission from the government to attend a Church or temple.
According to the Center for Data Accumulation, religious persecution has also increased in the country starting in the 90s and authorities do not hesitate to imprison those who do not follow the established norms and organize activities without authorization.
The Statement recalls that from 1945-1960, due to the violence campaign carried out by the regime in efforts to exterminate religion, religious activity and worship practically disappeared in North Korea. However, a new awakening is being seen, a renewed desire for religion, that has been lying dormant for decades, but that now arises from among the people. The current government still does not allow any real religious freedom, nor does it permit missionary work or religious education, although citizens may profess a certain creed in name only.
In conclusion, the Statement proposes a plan for promoting religious freedom in North Korea. The plan suggests a greater attention to the situation in the country, study and possibility of exchange programs, and establishing contacts that can be of aid in the religious freedom of the North, with an intensification, as well, of semi-official and official activities. An interreligious federation has also been proposed as a means to working in favor of the North, together with other religious communities.
The Committee also announced its new web page http://hwahai.cbck.or.kr, that will be made available beginning February 28, 2008 and that will offer the publication of the “Newsletter for the Reconciliation of the Korean People.” The Newsletter will be sent on a bi-monthly or monthly basis to priests, religious, and laity, as well as, the associations and parishes of all Korea. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/2/2008, righe 35, parole 420)
