President Moon Meets Religious Leaders: "Please Lead a Unified Society" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon with religious leaders from various denominations to mark the New Year and urged them to "lead well for a society of integration and a democracy of unity."

On the morning of the 12th, President Moon held a luncheon meeting with religious leaders at the Blue House main building and said, "The last remaining task in our country's democracy is to heal the excessive hostility and division among the people and move toward a democracy of integration and harmony."

President Moon expressed concern, saying, "(National integration) was naturally a role that politics should have fulfilled, but the fact is that even I have not fully played my part," and added, "I am worried because it seems to be going backward, especially during election periods."

He also expressed gratitude for the religious community's efforts to overcome COVID-19. He said, "Each denomination has actively cooperated with the government's quarantine measures by refraining from faith activities such as Dharma assemblies, worship, and ceremonies," and "Thanks to such cooperation, infections related to religious facilities have significantly decreased during this fourth wave."

He continued, "Although the fourth wave is gradually calming down, there is still a very big hurdle to overcome for the complete eradication of COVID-19," and added, "I ask the religious community to once again unite their strength to overcome the Omicron hurdle well."

He emphasized the significant role of the religious community in alleviating distrust and anxiety caused by vaccination and urged, "Please unite your hearts to expand vaccination."

President Moon also expressed appreciation for the religious community's leadership in practicing carbon neutrality. He said, "The fact that humans and nature are all connected as one life community is something religion has long taught," and added, "I hope religious leaders will unite the hearts of the people and encourage and lead practical movements for carbon neutrality in daily life."

President Moon emphasized the role of religion in the country's leap to an advanced nation, saying, "Our country has been recognized as a genuine advanced nation comparable to the Group of Seven (G7) countries not only in economic power but also in democracy, quarantine and health, culture, military power, diplomacy, and international cooperation."

He said, "(Religion) has played a very significant role in preserving our traditional culture while modernizing the country, democratizing, promoting reconciliation between the North and South, and expanding the welfare of the people," and added, "I express my deep respect and gratitude for that as well."

In response, Ven. Wonhaeng, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said, "There is an important election this year," and added, "Religious leaders will join forces to ensure that the people do not become divided and can coexist."

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