WCC NEWS: Churches offer Easter prayer for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula

The National Council of Churches in Korea has published a “2021 Easter Prayer for Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula” with a message of hope and reconciliation.  Cross at the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 29 March 2021 “This year, 2021, marks the 76th anniversary of the liberation from Japanese colonization,” reads the prayer. “Both the US and South Korean troops, however, are still practicing war games, pointing guns at each other's hearts.” The prayer asks for an end to the long, painful division on the Korean Peninsula. “God of love and peace! Help us to reaffirm the 1991 inter-Korean agreement on reconciliation, non-aggression, exchanges and cooperation as a transformational expression for peace and reunification,” reads the prayer. “Help us to realize lively civilian exchanges between the North and South.” The prayer asks God to defeat the sin of division through the power of resurrection. “We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen one, who lives among us, for a peaceful future for the Korean Peninsula and for the whole world,” concludes the prayer. World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca urges Christians and all people of good will to accompany Korean brothers and sisters as they tirelessly work for peace and reunification despite the obstacles, conflict and tensions that arise. “The ecumenical fellowship will accompany you as you take both the practical and prayerful steps to remove the constant threat of war, and reach peaceful coexistence,” he said. “In your courage, your perseverance, we walk with you and pray for you, even when the light of hope seems to recede.” Read the 2021 Easter Prayer for Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula The National Council of Churches in Korea WCC member churches in Korea See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland