Kim Jong-hyuk, the representative chairman of the Korean Church Federation (Han Gyocheong), stated, “Those who have the authority to manage the national crisis should swiftly address the current unstable situation according to the law and procedure.”
In relation to the December 3 martial law situation and the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-youl, the Korean Church Federation (Han Gyocheong), which had remained silent, has expressed its stance for the first time. Han Gyocheong is the largest Protestant union in the country, with 36 major Protestant denominations and over 65,000 churches as members.
In the “2024 Christmas Message” released on the 16th, Han Gyocheong stated, “This year has been one where we longed more for the peace given by God than ever,” diagnosing that “the situation currently visible in domestic politics is the consequence of issues that have been brewing for a long time.” It further criticized political leaders for exploiting ideology for their personal politics, antagonizing and demonizing other parties without embodying a politics of dialogue and compromise, leading to the current national crisis. They urged, “Show leadership with speed and restraint so that the daily life of our beloved country, free South Korea, can be restored as soon as possible.”
The statement was jointly issued by Kim Jong-hyuk, who was recently elected as the new representative chairman, and co-chairmen Kim Young-gul, Lee Job, and Park Byung-sun. They conveyed a message to the Korean church by quoting Philippians 2:7, expressing their wish for a Christmas where people pray and seek God’s help, like Jesus who “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.” They urged, “Do not be swayed by external distractions and strive to build virtue through restraint in words and actions.”