Reports 1995-1998 Edited by Dwain C. Epps
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Appeal to the Government of Indonesia to show restraint and introducepolitical reformsStatement issued by the General Secretary, 15 May 1998.The World Council of Churches expresses its profound concern and dismay at the recent developments in Indonesia that have, according to some reports, left 24 students and civilians dead as a result of the growing unrest and violence in the country. Scores of others have been injured, and many students and pro democracy activists are reported missing. The present turmoil in Indonesia started with the economic and financial crisis that led to demands for social and political reforms. The students who are in the forefront of the movement for reforms have called for accountability and an end to corruption in government circles. The government, instead of listening to the grievances of the people and responding positively, resorted to reprisals through military means, thus exacerbating the situation. The root cause of the present socio economic and political crisis in Indonesia lies in years of misrule, corruption and human rights violations which over the years have come to symbolise the military and the ruling elites. To reverse this trend, President Suharto’s government is under pressure to accept the demands of the people for a more transparent and participatory political system. Deeply concerned by these developments, the World Council of Churches urges the Indonesian government to exercise restraint and to make every effort to prevent any further escalation of violence. Immediate steps should be taken to introduce political reforms and to stop kidnappings, the forced disappearances of citizens and violations of human rights. The World Council of Churches expresses its appreciation and support for the position taken by the Executive Board of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia in its statement of the 7th May, and assures it of the WCC’s continuing prayers and support for the people of Indonesia.
Appeal for the release of detained church workerLetter to H.E. Minoru Endo, Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations in Geneva, 25 March 1996.Your Excellency, We have received with concern the news of the arrest of Reverend Kim Sung-Gi, pastor of the Kuwana Korean Christian Church in Japan. He was arrested on 6th March, on alleged grounds of “mediating foreign workers for illegal work”. The fact is that Reverend Kim Sung-Gi was fulfilling his ministry in relation to churches’ concern for migrant workers in Japan when the police of Mie Prefecture arrested him for violating Article 73 of the Immigration Act. It will be recalled that when the Japanese Diet passed the Immigration Control Act in 1990 a related resolution was passed. It stated that due care shall be taken so that provisions concerning punishment of employers, etc. shall not be abused upon implementation, noting that the provision is introduced to check unfair employers and labor brokers. In the circumstances the detention of Reverend Kim Sung-Gi is not only illegal but also unwarranted. The church not only in Japan but elsewhere too, has a tradition and history of providing care and concern for those in need. The plight of undocumented labor in Japan is no secret. It has been the subject of study of intergovernmental organizations including the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. A number of national and international NGOs have also expressed their concern on the subject. We are accordingly writing to express our concern about the continued detention of Reverend Kim Sung-Gi. We, therefore, appeal to the Japanese authorities through you for his immediate release. Sincerely yours, Clement John Executive Secretary International Affairs
Communiqué from the Meeting of Ecumenical Delegates from North and South Korea, Beijing, 27-28 January 1995Representatives of the Korean Christians Federation of the DPRK and of the National Council of Churches in the Republic of Korea, met together between 27-28 January 1995 in Beijing, Peoples Republic of China, renewing contact and ecumenical cooperation for peace and reunification in Korea. The meeting was called by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches. During the discussions, the representatives of Christian Churches in North and South Korea requested the WCC to convene a “Fourth International Ecumenical Consultation for Peace and Reunification of Korea”. The Consultation will be held in Japan in March 1995, early in the “Jubilee Year” declared by the two Korean ecumenical bodies when they met at the Third International Ecumenical Consultation in Glion, Switzerland, 1990. The agenda of the Fourth Consultation will include:
Participants will include, in addition to delegations from NCCK and KCF, church representatives from around the world engaged actively in ecumenical efforts for peaceful reunification of Korea. Delegates expressed thanks to the WCC for convening this planning meeting, which was conducted in a prayerful and cordial atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect. The meeting was chaired by the Rev. Dwain C. Epps, Coordinator of WCC/CCIA, and facilitated by Dr. Park Kyung-Seo, Asia Secretary of the Council. Participants were: KCF: Rev. Hwang Shi Chun NCCK: Rev. Kim Dong Wan Director, International Department General Secretary Mr. Kim Nam Hyok Dr. Kang Moon Kyu Staff, International Department Chair, Policy Sub-Committee, Mr. Li Jong Ro Reunification Committee Interpreter Rev. Dr. Park Jong Wha General Secretary Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea |