New South Korean diocese seen as eventual mission base for North

Published: 2004-07-08

SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) -- A new diocese carved out of the Seoul Archdiocese could serve as a basis for mission work in North Korea, a church official said. The new Uijongbu Diocese borders North Korea and covers six cities and two counties in the northern part of South Korea's Gyeonggi province, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. "Although we have some problems dividing into two dioceses, such as financial matters, the Uijongbu Diocese ... will be a basis for mission work to North Korea after reunification and provide unity to parishioners in the region," said Msgr. Thomas Aquinas Choi Chang-hoa, chancellor of the Seoul Archdiocese, during a July 5 press conference at archdiocesan headquarters. The Vatican appointed Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lee Han-taek of Seoul to head the new diocese.

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