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Rev. Kim Jeong-seok, Executive Director of the United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK). / Courtesy of UCCK

The United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK) has called for the restoration of democracy and national unity in South Korea ahead of the June 3 local elections, while urging clergy to refrain from making statements that support specific political factions.

According to the UCCK on May 19, a pastoral letter was issued on May 18 under the name of Executive Director Rev. Kim Jeong-seok. In the letter, Rev. Kim diagnosed that "our society currently faces fresh challenges, with the fundamental values of a democratic society severely undermined by political polarization alongside regional, generational, and ideological conflicts, while the economic suffering of ordinary citizens continues to intensify." He added, "An election is a precious foundation for realizing democracy and a critical moment of choice that shapes the future of the Republic of Korea."

He then urged South Korean church leaders and congregants to "pray so that workers worthy of the Gospel may be established," and to "realize the values of a fair election with sound faith and a mature sense of sovereignty." He emphasized, "We must uphold both the essence of the Gospel and our public responsibility. Churches must comply with the Public Official Election Act and democratic order, and any remarks displaying political bias or endorsing specific political forces must be strictly banned from the pulpit."

Lastly, Rev. Kim added, "I hope this local election serves as a turning point and a festival that restores democracy and fosters national unity in South Korea."