Justice and peace chief tells Catholics MPs to be missionaries in parliament
South Korea’s newly elected 300-member National Assembly has 77 Catholic MPs. “Our society is split in two,” says Mgr Lazarus You Heung-sik, bishop of Daejeon. In his message to the new lawmakers, he calls on them to work for “reconciliation” showing “with facts that you understand the precepts of the Gospel”.
Daejeon (AsiaNews) – Following the election of 77 Catholics to South Korea’s 300-member National Assembly, Mgr Lazarus You Heung-sik, president of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, issued a message to the newly elected lawmakers.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the prelate said that election “was a great result but comes with a huge responsibility”. Hence, the new MPs must “be missionaries in parliament, work for the reconciliation of our society, and show with facts that you understand the precepts of the Gospel.”
The full text of his message follows (translated from the Korean by AsiaNews).
The popular sentiment expressed in the general elections is grave, because it showed everyone – both ruling and opposition parties – that the situation cannot go on like this. The day of the general election, 13 April, was for us a real day of celebration and change. I pray and thank all those who participated in the general elections for their interest and for the responsibility they took on as candidates.
As I said before the vote, Catholics prayed for the election of MPs really concerned to work for peace, justice and the common good. I believe that MPs elected in this round are the fruit of our prayers and our desire.
Let me cite what Pope Francis said at the Blue House in Seoul** on 14 August 2014, during the meeting with government authorities.
“Dear friends,” the pontiff said, “your efforts as political and civic leaders are directed to the goal of building a better, more peaceful, just and prosperous world for our children. Experience teaches us that in an increasingly globalized world, our understanding of the common good, of progress and development, must ultimately be in human and not merely economic terms. Like most of our developed nations, Korea struggles with important social issues, political divisions, economic inequities, and concerns about the responsible stewardship of the natural environment. How important it is that the voice of every member of society be heard, and that a spirit of open communication, dialogue and cooperation be fostered. It is likewise important that special concern be shown for the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice, not only by meeting their immediate needs but also by assisting them in their human and cultural advancement.
So far, many MPs have spent far too much time and effort in the pursuit of their parties’ interests. Even though the number of Catholics is up, it is hard to meet people who work in the spirit of the Gospel, asserting their Christian identity.
Many people, including Catholics, consider the interests of their parties "more important" than the spirit of the Gospel, which stresses the importance of peace and life so that we can live well together without any distinction.
Please, new Catholic MPs, do not use your Catholic identity to achieve personal success or engage party politics. Become instead servants of the people working based on the identity that gives faith Pour new wine must into fresh wineskins (Lk 5:38), and work so that what you do becomes like a temple full of the Gospel.
Our society is split in two, each hating the other. This disease has also entered the Church and threatens the identity of Catholics. This is a painful reality for the Church, which has become like a prisoner in the world. You, new Catholic MPs, do not become the seed that brings hatred and conflict. With an open heart, talk and understand others, and become politicians who engage in dialogue, i.e. politicians who heal conflicts and disagreements between South and North Korea. Become politicians who listen to and respect others.
The Korean Catholic Church is sending you to parliament as missionaries. Be representatives of the Catholic Church beyond any ideology, idea, or party interest. Learn the Church's social doctrine and listen to the people’s voice. Especially, share in the pain of the poor. Please, be believers who boast not for your roles as MPs, but in the name of grace, i.e. as a Christian. To achieve this, being close to and meeting believers of the same faith are important.
Please, actively participate in Dasanhoe and political unity meetings of Catholic MPs. Those who share purposes can work and act together, and have a greater impact.
Dear sisters and brothers, dear MPs, we thank you for your hard work and pray for you – may the grace of God always be with you. I pray that, through you, our political life may become the politics of love, which is love within love.
Best wishes on your election!
* President of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
** The Blue House is the executive office and official residence of the President of the Republic of (South) Korea.
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12/02/2016 15:14
