For Immediate Release
December 4, 2024
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA received with alarm early yesterday the news of the declaration of martial law in the Republic of Korea, and then received with relief several hours later word of the defiance of that order by a vote of the country’s National Assembly. Even though the immediate crisis has subsided, the country is still in turmoil, and uncertainty is likely to persist in the near future. Our prayers are with the South Korean people, as they seek to restore societal peace.
We have long been partners with the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK). In a statement dated today, the NCCK affirmed: “Since Korea’s democratization in 1987, the Korean people have built a precious trust in democracy…We commit ourselves to fervent prayer and unwavering action to restore the democracy that has been achieved through the blood and toil of the people of the Republic of Korea.”
The NCC stands in solidarity with the NCCK, and indeed with all Korean people of goodwill, who now must find ways to heal the wounds caused by this flagrant assault on their society, and to restore political stability for the wellbeing of all. As stated by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC President and General Secretary, in a communication to Korean partners: “The NCC is praying and encouraging all our membership to pray that God’s protection surrounds you and that the peace of God fills your hearts in the midst of uncertainty. May you continue to find strength in faith and courage in unity.”