Cheong Wa Dae: "There Was No Atmosphere of Conflict Between President Moon and Church Leaders"

Kang Min-seok Spokesperson Explains Private Meeting with Church Leaders... "Also Urged Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon's Apology and Strict Response to Fake News"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing on the closed session of the meeting with Korean church leaders on the 27th, "I would like to explain the closed session of the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and Korean church leaders. Contrary to some reports, there was no atmosphere of 'conflict' at all."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "During the closed meeting, a total of 15 church leaders spoke," adding, "Among them, 4 individuals, although expressing themselves differently, apologized for the church being at the center of confirmed COVID-19 cases related to Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, urged strict responses to acts obstructing quarantine and fake news, and concluded their remarks."

Kang said, "There were statements such as 'It is heartbreaking that some churches are a burden to quarantine,' 'The Korean church accepts the criticism that it is the breeding ground for the Jeon Gwang-hoon phenomenon,' and 'The church is sorry for being at the center of the COVID-19 spread and regrets the disappointment of citizens,'" adding, "There were also 4 church leaders whose entire remarks were about praying for the people and President Moon Jae-in."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang stated, "Two individuals focused their remarks on criticizing the medical strike during the COVID-19 situation ('It is regrettable that medical staff are striking at the expense of the lives of the people,' 'The power of doctors comes not from striking but from their relationship with patients'), and two others mainly spoke about inter-Korean relations."

Kang said, "Three church leaders requested the allowance of in-person worship. Their main points were, 'It is unreasonable to apply measures to the entire church just because confirmed cases appeared in some churches,' 'Please create places where we can pray for the country and the people,' and 'The church will take the lead in following quarantine rules and obtaining certification.'"

Spokesperson Kang emphasized, "President Moon listened attentively, taking notes on the remarks of the 15 speakers. It was not an atmosphere of 'conflict' with the Christian community but rather one of 'sympathy,' with the government and the church seeking common ground on quarantine and worship issues to overcome the COVID-19 crisis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.