Korean Catholics Mark 30 Years of Prayer and Hope for Reunification
Seoul Archdiocese commemorates three decades of commitment to peace and reconciliation between North and South Korea, amidst ongoing tensions.
By World Today News Staff | March 23, 2025
Seoul, South Korea – On the main altar of Seoul’s Cathedral, a powerful symbol stands as a testament to the enduring hope for peace: the “Cross for Peace.” This cross, crafted from barbed wire sourced from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides North and South Korea, serves as a poignant reminder of the peninsula’s painful division. It was before this symbolic cross that the Archdiocese of Seoul recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the “Korean Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul for Reconciliation” (KRCAS) with a special Mass [[3]].
The anniversary Mass marked three decades of unwavering commitment to fostering reconciliation and praying for a lasting peace between the two Koreas. This milestone arrives at a particularly sensitive time, as tensions on the Korean peninsula remain high, fueled by ongoing geopolitical complexities and nuclear ambitions.
For Americans, the situation in Korea might seem distant, but the implications are meaningful. the Korean War,a conflict that drew in the United States and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of American lives,never officially ended. A fragile armistice remains in place, and the potential for renewed conflict is a constant concern. The U.S. maintains a strong military presence in South Korea as a deterrent, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
A History of Hope and Reconciliation
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-Taick of Seoul, the current chairman of the KRCAS and also the Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, reflected on the committee’s three-decade journey. “In 1995, fifty years after the division of the country and 45 years after the Korean War, the year in which Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan officially expressed his desire to visit North Korea, the Committee for Reconciliation of our Archdiocese was established,” he stated. The archbishop emphasized the committee’s dedication to keeping alive the “flame of reconciliation” and the hope for reunification on moral, cultural, and spiritual levels.
Since its inception, the KRCAS has been actively involved in various initiatives, including:
- Prayers for peace and reconciliation [[1]].
- Educational programs promoting understanding and empathy.
- Research projects exploring avenues for cooperation and reconciliation.
- Cooperation projects aimed at fostering dialogue and exchange with North Korea.
One of the committee’s most enduring efforts is the weekly “eucharist for the Reconciliation and Unity of korea,” a communal prayer service held every Tuesday at the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.This service has been held for 1457 consecutive weeks, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the Catholic community to the cause of peace.
Navigating a Landscape of Division
Despite these efforts, Archbishop Chung acknowledged the harsh realities of the current inter-Korean relationship.”The current situation on the Korean peninsula is dominated by the mechanism of hatred, conflict, and division, rather than love, reconciliation, and unity,” he lamented. He urged continued courage and dedication to the path of national reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of the mission for peace and the evangelization of all people.
The challenges facing the KRCAS are immense. Decades of separation, political ideologies, and mutual distrust have created a deep chasm between North and south Korea. The North’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its isolationist policies have further intricate the situation, making dialogue and reconciliation all the more difficult.
Consider the parallels to the Cold War era in the U.S., where deep ideological divisions fueled anxieties and shaped foreign policy. The Korean peninsula represents a similar, albeit more volatile, situation, with the added dimension of a divided nation yearning for reunification.
A Call for Conversion and Collaboration
During his homily at the anniversary Mass, which was attended by over 400 people, including North Korean refugees, Archbishop Chung called for a conversion of hearts. He urged the committee to ”take the initiative and join forces with other religions, civil society, political circles, as well as other organizations and members of the Church to walk the path of conversion in both North and South Korea.”
this call for collaboration reflects a growing recognition that achieving lasting peace requires a multi-faceted approach involving all segments of society. Just as community organizers in the U.S. often work across diverse groups to address social issues, the KRCAS seeks to build bridges with various stakeholders to promote reconciliation.
The vatican’s Enduring Support
Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, conveyed the Holy See’s unwavering support for the KRCAS’s efforts. “Amid the current tensions and conflicts on the Korean peninsula, your efforts to open a new chapter of reconciliation are more valuable than ever,” he said. “The Holy See follows these efforts with great attention and joins in prayer for the peaceful reunification of the korean peninsula” [[2]].
The Vatican’s interest in Korean reconciliation is not new. The Catholic church has long advocated for peace and dialogue on the peninsula,recognizing the shared heritage and the human cost of division. The Holy See’s diplomatic efforts and moral authority can play a significant role in fostering a climate conducive to reconciliation.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The KRCAS faces significant challenges in the years ahead. The political landscape remains volatile, and the prospects for meaningful dialogue between North and South Korea are uncertain. However,the committee’s unwavering commitment to prayer,education,and collaboration offers a beacon of hope in a divided land.
The committee’s annual youth pilgrimage, “the Wind of Peace,” which takes place along the DMZ, is a testament to its commitment to raising awareness among young people about the importance of peace. By engaging future generations in the cause of reconciliation, the KRCAS hopes to ensure that the dream of a unified Korea remains alive.
As Americans, we can learn from the KRCAS’s example of perseverance and dedication to peace. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the pursuit of reconciliation is always worthwhile. By supporting organizations that promote dialogue and understanding, we can contribute to a more peaceful world.
30 Years of Prayer, hope, and Barbed Wire: Can Korean Catholics Bridge the Divide?
Did you know the “Cross for Peace” in Seoul’s Cathedral is crafted from barbed wire from the DMZ, the most heavily fortified border in the world? this powerful symbol underscores the deep yearning for reunification in Korea, a subject the Seoul Archdiocese has fervently championed for three decades. To unpack the complexities and enduring hope surrounding this issue, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert on Korean reunification and interfaith dialog.
Senior editor, World Today News: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. To start, can you describe the significance of the Korean Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul for Reconciliation (KRCAS) and its 30-year mission to pursue peace?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The KRCAS represents a beacon of hope, particularly in a region often defined by division and tension. For thirty years, this committee has championed peaceful reunification through prayer, education, research, and cooperation, focusing on cultural and spiritual bridges [[1]]. Its enduring commitment, demonstrated by initiatives like the weekly Eucharist for Reconciliation and Unity, shows the unwavering dedication of the Catholic community to inter-Korean reconciliation. Their work provides a multi-faceted approach to address the deep-seated challenges of division.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Reconciliation
Senior Editor, World Today News: The article notes that the current situation on the Korean peninsula is “dominated by the mechanism of hatred, conflict, and division.” What are the primary roadblocks KRCAS encounters in its efforts?
Dr.Anya Sharma: The obstacles are immense and deeply rooted. Decades of separation have created a chasm of political ideologies, mutual distrust, and emotional distance. The North’s pursuit of nuclear weapons significantly complicates any dialogue or cooperation.Furthermore, the lack of official resolution to the Korean War [[1]], as well as ongoing geopolitical complexities, casts a long shadow.Overcoming these challenges requires sustained effort and a long-term perspective.
Senior Editor, World Today News: The article references similar divisions during the Cold War. Can you expand on those parallels and the potential implications for the Korean peninsula?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The Korean Peninsula exists in as a similar but more volatile situation to those experienced during the Cold War. Similar to the U.S.during that era, deep ideological divisions fuel anxieties and shape foreign policy. The Korean peninsula mirrors this, but the added dimension of a divided nation yearning for reunification creates a dangerous setting. The stakes are incredibly high, making the need for reconciliation all the more urgent.
The Role of Faith and Collaboration
Senior Editor, World Today News: The Archbishop emphasized the need for conversion and collaboration. How critical are these elements to KRCAS’s success?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Conversion of hearts is paramount. This means addressing the underlying hatred, mistrust, and fear that fuel the division. Secondly, collaboration is essential.the archbishop’s call to join forces with other religions, civil society, political circles, and other organizations underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach. The KRCAS recognizes that achieving lasting peace demands a collective endeavor that extends beyond religious boundaries.
Interfaith Dialogue: They are building bridges across different faiths to achieve peace.
Community Involvement: Seeking support from civil society and political entities.
* Education: Educating the next generation in peace and reconciliation.
Senior Editor, World Today News: The vatican has consistently offered support for the KRCAS. What role does the Holy See play in Korean reconciliation, and why is its involvement so critical?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The Vatican’s support is invaluable. The Holy See’s diplomatic efforts and moral authority provide an critically important climate conducive to reconciliation [[2]]. The Catholic Church has long advocated for dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula, recognizing the shared heritage and the human cost of division. The Vatican’s interest lends critically important weight to the KRCAS’s efforts.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Action for the Future
Senior Editor,World Today News: What are the most promising avenues for the KRCAS to continue impacting the situation,and what can the world learn from their work?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The commitment to prayer, education, and collaboration offers a strong foundation. The Youth Pilgrimage along the DMZ demonstrates a dedication to engaging future generations [[3]] in the cause of reconciliation. Their work highlights a vital lesson: that there is always some good to be found even in dire situations. by supporting initiatives that promote understanding and dialogue, we can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Senior Editor, World Today news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. Anya Sharma: thank you for having me.
What do you think? do you believe prayer and dialogue can overcome decades of division and geopolitical tension for Korean reunification? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
