CBCK News
2009-08-25 10:28
8,158
Communication on Aug. 29
* "Sound Public Opinion and Social Consensus Required to Heal Social Conflicts" -- says Cardinal Kim

"Our society today is split by ideological polarization and conflicts between generations, classes and regions," said His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan in an interview with 'upkorea.net', a newly founded internet news paper, and added, "we need to establish sound public opinion and social consensus to heal the situation with sense of issues."    
Making his position clear on different social issues Cardinal Kim asked to face up the reality with "reflective view."  
Regarding increasing ideological conflicts on 'Sunshine Policy' Cardinal Kim expressed some regrets to North Korea saying, "Despite Sunshine Policy there has been no change in North Korea, rather they try to provoke ideological division among South Koreans." He warned reunification-for-reunification principle saying, "We have to solve inter-Korean problem in peaceful way and for this we need to pursue collaboration and reconciliation, however, we have to question ourselves what kind of reunification we really want to." He insisted importance of 'mutual trust' saying, "the North has to show sincerity."
Cardinal Kim warned also dangers involved in globalization of economy saying, "Benefits of globalization should not be monopolized by the minority but distributed to many," and added, "international, national and social support should be given to those who are remained behind in the process of the globalization."
Concerning the youth he expressed some worries for lack of sense of responsibility and running after pleasure. He pointed out that anti-U.S. movement of radical students and attacks to U.S. military facilities are not desirable and wished the youth to cultivate sound view of life.
Concerning the social phenomenon of increasing suicides he recognized part of responsibility of religion people saying, "People don't find enough help in religions."
He said, "Religion people need to be reborn as people who are truly concerned of neighbors and capable to share their joys and sorrows," and added "rebirth cannot be made by ourselves but need to meet God."
Upkorea.net was founded on August 27 by 500 promoters representing various social circles with object to achieve social harmonization and reform people's livelihood.