South Korea: Week for Christian Unity: Christians "must break down the wall of incomprehension"

Seoul - Christians of all denominations, even though witnesses of the same faith, "are still separated by a wall of misunderstanding and prejudice. Instead we should be light and salt of the earth for the world, the heralds of peace and salvation that we have achieved thanks to the sacrifice of Christ. He is the Light in this dark world”, writes Mgr. Igino Kim Hee-joong, Archbishop of Gwangju and president of the Korean Bishops' Commission for the promotion of Christian unity and interreligious dialogue, in his message for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity this year.

The issue is strongly felt by Benedict XVI, who since his election has worked to improve relations with other Christian denominations, and it is one of the main themes of the Korean Church. In the country, in fact, Catholics are 20% of the population: in addition to them, however, there is a strong Protestant presence which does not always work in unity with the Church on issues of social importance. The message is titled "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ", a quote from the letter S. Paul to the Corinthians.

For Msgr. Kim "the best way to recognize that we are united in one faith and one Gospel is to be open to all with the same call that God has given us. The Church is continually called to the renewal of society and of itself: She must live in the world by interpreting the signs it sends always in the light of the Gospel. When all Christians work together, serving Christ with the tools that He has given mankind, then the road to open the unit. "

In conclusion, the bishop urges all Christians to "proclaim with one voice the salvation of the Gospel and His final victory, victory over fear of death that spreads across the land. A power that makes us united in love, because the victory is won by Christ. This faith will make our heart open to the power of the Holy Spirit and lead us to share each other the friendship and cooperation by sharing the communion of Christ. "