By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young
President Yoon Suk-yeol held his third "luncheon meeting with religious leaders" since taking office on March 12. Ten religious leaders from Christianity, Buddhism, Catholicism, Won Buddhism, Confucianism, Cheondogyo, and the Korean National Council of Religious Affairs were invited to the luncheon, which was held at Sangchunjae, the Blue House.
The luncheon was attended by Rev. Jang Jong-hyun, president of the National Council of Churches of Korea; Kim Jang-hwan, senior pastor of Suwon Central Baptist Church; Jin Woo, head of the Jogye religion; Deok-soo, head of the Cheon Tae religion; Lee Yong-hoon, president of the Korean Catholic Bishops' Conference; Jung Soon-taek, bishop of the Seoul Archdiocese; Na Sang-ho, head of the Won Buddhist Church; Choi Jong-soo, head of the Confucianism Sungkyunkwan; Joo Yong-duk, acting head of the Cheondogyo religion; and Kim Ryŏng-ha, president of the Korean National Council of Religious Affairs.
The president said that the more he visits people's daily lives, the more he realizes that there are many issues that need to be resolved, and called on the religious community to join forces to quickly resolve civil issues and complete reforms that are essential for our future, such as healthcare reform.
On behalf of the attendees, Jin Woo, the head of the Jogye sect, responded that although our society is facing many difficulties in recent years, it is necessary for the president and the religious community to make efforts to make people's daily lives comfortable.
After the greetings with the religious leaders, the President listened to the current issues of each sect and sought advice on national affairs. The meeting was attended by senior members of the presidential staff, including Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Presidential Office Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-seop, National Security Chief Jang Ho-jin, Policy Chief Sung Tae-yoon, and Civil Society Chief Hwang Sang-moo, to further enhance communication and cooperation with the religious community.
