World Council of Churches expresses concern for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula
[World Council of Churches] World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay has expressed deep concern over developments on the Korean Peninsula, and escalating tensions and conflict risk in the region.
On Oct. 15, North Korea blew up the northern sections of road and rail routes that once linked it with South Korea. “While the demolition of these unused routes was largely symbolic, it amplifies the new policy declared by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January, wherein he officially severed relations with South Korea and abandoned the long-stated goal of achieving peaceful Korean re-unification,” said Pillay. “This demonstration of intent further accelerates the increasing tensions and confrontation between North and South, following claims by the North that the South had flown drones over its capital Pyongyang.”
Recent reports also noted that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia, as well as providing armaments to support Russia’s invasion and war in Ukraine.
In a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duk-soo in Seoul in September, Pillay reiterated the WCC’s call for restraint and measures to reduce tensions, and for engagement in dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and conflict on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in other situations of conflict and tension around the world.
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