We Pray for Peace and Reconciliation of Humanity

   The Bishops of Korea issued the following statement concerning the
recent tragic terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and the
retaliation of the U.S.A. during the 2001 Autumn General Assembly held from October 15 to 18.
  
   We, Bishops of Korea, have expressed heartfelt condolence over the tragic terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11 which claimed thousands of precious lives. All kinds of terrorism sacrificing lives of innocent people has to be condemned. Desire to realize one's political intention and ambition at the cost of human lives is a brutal crime against the universal value of humanity.
   We are also deeply concerned about the retaliatory attacks of the U.S.A. against Afghanistan that seems to expand with international support. Violence begets another violence. We cannot establish peace by violence. Thus, we cannot tolerate the brutality and violence of terrorism under any circumstances or reasons. Violence and retaliation of the war and terrorism will only destroy human society. We have to make efforts so that the genuine peace of humanity can be established through reconciliation and forgiveness rather than retaliation and punishment.
    We wish that the international communities would show positive concern for protection of thousands of Afghanistan refugees. Our government's participation to the U.S.A.-led military operation to punish the terrorists should be done in the perspective of humanitarian assistance to refugees. We want to share sufferings of victims and their families of this tragic terrorist attack and those refugees who had to leave their homeland because of the retaliatory attacks and other many innocent victims. We wish to see a day that all humanity lives in peaceful coexistence liberated from hatred and hostility.
   In union with His Holiness Pope John Paul II, we the Christian Faithful pray to our merciful God for true peace and reconciliation of all people. At the same time we implore all the people of good will pursuing the way of justice and peace to have perseverance and persistence.
   Let us throw away every hatred and enmity and make efforts through our forgiveness and reconciliation together with all people who believe in the Only One God to promote the civilization of love all over the world.