No Freedom of religious in S. Korea: JHU

(October 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) JHU Leader and Parliamentarian Venerable Ellawala Medhananda has strongly urged South Korean (Republic of Korea) President Lee Myung-Bak to quell the alarming religious crisis in that country. In a letter sent to him via the Korean Ambassador in Sri Lanka the Ven. Medhananda states:

“The recent growth of Christianity in Korea should not be used as a tool to disrepute the great Buddhist influence Korea was blessed with for centuries. Compassion among Koreans of different faiths should be encouraged and as the head of State we strongly advice your Excellency to guide your nation in the path of religious tolerance."

Following is the full text of the letter

Your Excellency,

PRO-CHRISTIAN BIAS AGAINST BUDDHISTS IN KOREA

It's with dejection we write to you about the recent actions of your Government taken to disrepute the Buddhist of Korea. Sri Lanka and Koreashare a long history of Buddhist religious links dating over thousands of years. Throughout history Korean culture and arts were enriched with Buddhist philosophy.

The recent pro-Christian bias by your Excellency has made the Buddhists of Korea staging mass protests and demanded that your Excellencies government strictly adhere to the stipulated conditions of the article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea which clearly stipulates the prohibition of state religion and the separation of religion and politics. It's regrettable to note the stand taken by your Excellency by issuing a congratulatory message via visual media to an event in Busan city by Christians dedicated to "the dissolution of Buddhism in Korea".

Other accusations by the Buddhist groups include your Excellencies declaration at the restoration of the Cheonggye River In down town Seoul as the will of "Almighty God" and the dedication of the city of Seoul to "Almighty God" while you were Mayor some time ago, many biased appointments of a disproportionate number of high government officials of the Christian faith, exclusion of Buddhist temples on maps by the Government while listing only Churches and increased violence against Buddhists and Buddhist places of worship perpetrated by Christians which have fallen to the deaf ears of the law enforcing authorities with the blessings of top politicians and officials of the Christian faith.

As Buddhists we are disturb with these events which we believe should be carefully handled as similar incidents are being perpetrated by some fundamental Christian sects in Sri Lanka too disturbing the religious coexistence practiced by our people for well over 2,500 years. As Buddhists we strongly urge your Excellency to quell the alarming situation and allow religious harmony to uphold in your country. The recent growth of Christianity in Korea should not be used as a tool to disrepute the great Buddhist influence Korea was blessed with for centuries. Compassion among Koreans of different faiths should be encouraged and as the head of State we strongly advice your Excellency to guide your nation in the path of religious tolerance.

May the blessings of the Nobel Triple Gem guide your Excellency and your great nation to prosperity.

Ven. Ellawela Medhanandha Thero M.P.
Leader -JHU. - Sri Lanka Guardian