The Korean Bishops' Conference has asked the South Korean president to apologize for the martial law decree that has shaken the country, Aleteia.org reported.
“Except in cases of emergency, government actions should be carried out in a manner that is known to the citizens“, the Korean Bishops' Conference said in a statement.
Many are asking the president if it was right to declare martial law when there was neither a hostile invasion from outside nor a visible threat of war, the religious organization said.
“It is imperative that the president personally come before the people to explain what happened, sincerely apologize, and take responsibility for the process of imposing and lifting martial law. Our democracy was built with great sacrifices. The Catholic Church in Korea actively supports and stands in solidarity with the Korean people to defend our democracy,” the organization said.
The bishops’ statement was signed by members of a Korean ecumenical delegation that met with Pope Francis on November 27. South Korea’s Christian population is estimated to be 21%. About 6% of the population is Catholic.
The Democratic Party of South Korea, the main opposition political force, announced plans to hold a vote on impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said yesterday that South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol "made poor judgment" in his decision to declare martial law earlier this week, and it was seen as "problematic and illegitimate", Reuters reported.