Two prominent Catholic prelates from Japan and South Korea have stated that the bishops’ conferences in both countries have been quietly walking the synodal path for nearly thirty years.
Cardinal-designate Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo and Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung of Seoul gave their remarks in a video message, the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of the Philippines (CBCP) reported on Oct 17.
The prelates said the annual meetings between Japanese and Korean bishops were a “model” of synodal collaboration that started 28 years ago, in 1996, the CBCP News reported.
“Since then, we have been meeting in Korea and Japan, and we have been working and walking together,” Kikuchi said.
Chung and Kikuchi are in Vatican City from Oct 2-27 to attend the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Kikuchi added that the bishops from Japan and South Korea had decided to hold annual meetings to engage in dialogue and foster mutual understanding of the countries’ complex history, particularly the painful legacy of World War II.
Chung pointed out that the historical wounds have not hindered efforts to form new relationships, particularly among younger generations in Korea.
Both prelates expressed a firm belief that the collaboration between the Japanese and Korean bishops is an example of how synodality can create pathways for healing, understanding, and peace.
“I think this kind of exchange between two episcopal conferences might be a good model to try and make new history,” Chung said.
“This kind of meeting can also be a good model of collaboration for the future,” Chung emphasized.
As a part of their initiatives, Japanese and Korean bishops and their delegates have alternatively met in Japan and South Korea to call for denuclearization in the region.
This year, delegates from both countries took part in an anti-nuclear pilgrimage at the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in South Korea on Oct 11, the Catholic Times of Korea reported on Oct 14.
The delegates called for an end to the use of nuclear fuel that harms people and the environment during the rallies held at the Wolseong and Gori nuclear power plants from Oct 10-13.
Father Stefano Yang Ki-seok, secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea’s Ecology and Environment Committee, alleged that the nuclear power plants are built while ignoring the opinions of the citizens in the area.
“Also, the radiation exposure issues of workers at nuclear power plants are being hidden under the pretext of providing convenient electricity,” Yang said.
“Forcing sacrifices on the powerless for the economic interests of the nation is the exact opposite of the world God wants, which is why believers are joining the anti-nuclear movement,” Yang added.
The annual denuclearization campaign was launched in 2011 at the Japan-Korea bishops’ meeting after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan.
Hwang Bun-hee, vice chair of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Relocation Countermeasures Committee, expressed concern over the health of future generations.
“It’s frustrating that all parties related to nuclear power plants, including Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power and the government, are turning a blind eye to the safety of residents,” Hwang alleged, the Catholic Times reported. – UCA News
