Uphold human rights amid social conflicts, says Seoul Archbishop

The archbishop of Seoul in South Korea urged the faithful to contribute to the creation of a society upholding the rights of every human being amid the many social conflicts and confrontations today.

In his Lenten message, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick said that this season must be spent not just on personal renewal but also on social transformation.

“Amid social conflicts and confrontations, we must reflect on how we are striving to create a society in which each human being, God's beloved and precious creature, respects and cares for each other, even with different ideas, different positions, and different circumstances,” he said.

Archbishop Chung expressed his hope that Lent will be a time to overcome divisions and conflicts in society by uniting in God’s love.

“Let us remember that understanding, forgiving, and moving toward reconciliation is not just a personal virtue, but a path to healing for our communities and societies,” he said.

Moreover, Archbishop Chung likened today’s realities to the wilderness where Jesus faced and overcame the devil’s temptation.

He underlined the need to embrace and express God’s love at all times to address the obstacles everyone may face in this journey on earth.

“In imitation of Jesus' faith and patience in the wilderness, let us also be believers who listen and respect others according to God's will and love, without wavering amid the chaos of the world,” said the prelate.

“Believing that our small efforts add up to make a big difference, let's walk this journey together with listening, respect, prayer, and love for each other,” he said.