"Calling for Yoon's Resignation"... Catholic Priests and Believers Gathered in Jeju and Gwangju for 'Sigung Mass'

Regarding the December 3 emergency martial law situation, Catholic priests and believers gathered in Jeju and Gwangju to hold a national mass.

At around 7:30 p.m. on the 12th, a 'National Mass for the Impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol and Justice and Peace in the Republic of Korea' was held at the Jeju Diocese Cathedral, with about 600 clergy members and believers, including priests and nuns, in attendance. This mass was offered by Bishop Moon Chang-woo Pio, the head of the Jeju Diocese, with priests and believers of the Jeju Diocese gathered.

'Yoon Seok-yeol Impeachment' Catholic National Mass Held in Jeju. Photo by Yonhap News

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Father Lim Moon-cheol criticized, "Today again, President Yoon Seok-yeol has caused pain to the hearts of the people," adding, "Despite the failure process of the emergency martial law being fully revealed through the conscience declarations of subordinates, President Yoon told a blatant lie that the emergency martial law was implemented to threaten the National Assembly."

He continued, "We believe that the soldiers will not point their guns at the people," and said, "Even if that were the case, we have nothing to fear or be solemn about because the bishop, priests, nuns, and fellow believers will stand together."

Father Lim emphasized, "The Church, which should be the light and salt of this world, has the mission to drive out darkness," and said, "Today, we have gathered here to hasten the moment when President Yoon Seok-yeol goes to prison."

The Catholic Gwangju Archdiocese Justice and Peace Committee also held a 'National Mass for True Justice and Peace in the Republic of Korea' at Namdong Cathedral in Dong-gu, Gwangju, at 7 p.m. on the same day, presided over by Archbishop Ok Hyun-jin.

The first national situation mass held in Daejeon. Photo by Yonhap News

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About 100 priests, including Chairman Jo Jeong-hoon of the Justice and Peace Committee and Kim Jeong-yong, president of Gwangju Catholic University, as well as approximately 1,400 people including Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung and believers (estimated by the organizers) attended.

The mass attendees issued a national declaration stating, "Yoon Seok-yeol's rebellion has not ended," and claimed, "This martial law is a personal coup to protect himself and his spouse Kim Geon-hee," demanding, "The second Jeon Du-hwan Yoon Seok-yeol and his accomplices who destroyed democracy must be punished." They also raised their voices, saying, "Although the first impeachment motion failed due to members of the People Power Party not participating in the vote, the second impeachment motion must succeed," and "We will protect democracy in solidarity with all believers."

Meanwhile, the Catholic Daejeon Diocese Justice and Peace Committee held the first national mass after the martial law situation on the 9th at Daeheung-dong Cathedral in Daejeon. The Catholic Daegu Diocese plans to hold a Daegu national mass for democracy and peace at Gyesan Cathedral on the 13th.

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