South Korean religious express concern over North Korean nuclear test

Published: 2006-10-10

SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) -- South Korean religious leaders expressed deep concern over North Korea's nuclear test but said economic and military sanctions would not be a good response. Father Paul Han Jung-kwan, executive secretary of the Committee for the Reconciliation of Korean People of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, called the Oct. 9 nuclear test "an act that destroys world peace and order and is against the Gospel." In an Oct. 10 interview with UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, Father Han said sentiment against North Korea may spread within the church. He said he believes the church in South Korea will face difficulties in its humanitarian work with North Koreans. He said he expects North Koreans to become more isolated from the international community and suffer from a lack of food and basic goods. For this reason, he added, the South Korean church needs to establish a long-term plan to help its northern neighbors.

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