Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - From July 2 to 3, 2007, religious leaders in Korea made a joint pilgrimage to historical sites of each religion in Gyeongsangbuk-do area to promote interreligious harmony. It was the first kind of joint pilgrimage in which high-level representatives from seven main religions participated, including Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Won Buddhists, Confucianists, Chondogyo and Association of Ethnic Religions. From the part of the Catholic Church, the Most Rev. Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, President of the CBCK Committee for Promoting Christian Unity & Interreligious Dialogue, participated.
During the two-day pilgrimage, they visited Gyesan Cathedral of Daegu and the shrine dedicated to Mary in the Archdiocese of Daegu, a shrine of Won Buddhism in Seongju, the Wonmun Temple of Buddhism in Cheongdo, Yongdamjeong of Cheondo-gyo, Seonggyungwan Hyanggyo in Gyeongju and Jacheong Protestant Church in Yeongcheon. At every site they planted commemorative trees. At their visit to Gyesan Cathedral of Daegu, they met with the Most Rev. John Choi Young-soo, Archbishop of Daegu, and the Most Rev. Thaddeus Cho Hwan-kil, Auxiliary Bishop of Daegu. Bishop Choi said, "I think the interreligious situation in Korea is very unique in the world. We cannot witness often in other countries for leaders of different religions to make this kind of concrete effort for harmony and unity." Bishop Kim said, "It was a good opportunity for us to grow understanding and respect towards other religions. I hope we can build solidarity for the common good based on this mutual respect and cooperation and this harmony can continue with the common values of truth, love and justice." Ven. Jigwan, Executive Director of Administration of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said, "I believe that true social justice can be realised when we build communion and unity through various initiatives like this joint pilgrimage.". (K.P.) (Agenzia Fides 11/7/2007; righe 18, parole 245)
