The Ministry of Unification holds a policy meeting joined by seven major religious orders on July 29. / Courtesy of Ministry of Unification

Vice Minister of Unification Kim Nam-jung met with representatives of seven major religious orders on July 29, emphasizing the importance of respecting North Korea's sovereignty for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

At a policy meeting attended by about ten representatives from Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Won Buddhism, Cheondoism, Confucianism, and the Association of Korean Native Religions, Vice Minister Kim stressed, "The religious community can play a vital role in broadening public consensus on peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula." This meeting was arranged in accordance with an agreement reached between the Ministry of Unification and the religious community during a previous meeting in March to maintain regular communication.

Vice Minister Kim requested, "We will continue efforts to improve systems to ensure private autonomy," adding, "Let us maintain close communication and cooperation between the Ministry of Unification and the religious community going forward."

In response, the religious leaders agreed that a posture of mutual respect is essential for dialogue and cooperation, offering specific measures to put this into practice. They also presented various activities carried out by their respective orders to ease hostility toward North Korea within South Korean society and foster peace sensitivity.

Previously, the Ministry of Unification and the seven major religious orders discussed collaborative matters at the March policy meeting, including support for North Korean defectors' settlement and the repatriation of North Korean soldiers' remains buried in Jeokseong-myeon, Paju.

                                                                                                              Mok Yong-jae