Home Church in Action Catholic bishops of Korea call for unity, accountability after Yoon's impeachment motion

Catholic bishops of Korea call for unity, accountability after Yoon’s impeachment motion

The Catholic Bishops of South Korea have declared their unwavering support for the people of South Korea in the wake of the National Assembly’s approval of the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. 

In a statement, the bishops underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring equality before the law.

“When it comes to building a country in which the fundamental principle of democracy, according to which all are equal before the law, is respected and in which no one can impose his own opinion by violating democratic procedures, the Catholic Church of Korea will stand with the people until the end,” the bishops said.



The bishops acknowledged the challenges of the past eleven days, during which tensions escalated after President Yoon declared martial law—an action swiftly overturned by parliament. 

They praised the public for maintaining restraint and acting within democratic norms during a period of uncertainty.

“The South Korean people have gone through difficult times but have shown great patience by acting democratically and moderately,” the statement read. 

The prelates called on political leaders to put aside conflicts, saying, “putting aside political conflicts and working together for the good of the State and the well-being of the people” is essential for national unity.

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The brief imposition of martial law triggered memories of South Korea’s turbulent history, including Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and decades of authoritarian rule marked by military coups. 

The bishops described the events as a stark reminder of those troubled times and condemned the necessity of impeachment proceedings: “It is extremely unpleasant to be faced with the need to remove the Head of State through impeachment, regardless of whether one supported him or not.”

The bishops emphasized that the rule of law and constitutional principles must be upheld, saying, “Every president is called to exercise his office sincerely and responsibly, respecting the Constitution and the laws. If the exercise of office does not respect the laws and fundamental principles, in a democratic society anyone must be removed from office. This is justice in a democratic society.”

Calling for accountability, the bishops urged the president and his administration to seek forgiveness from the public and expressed hope that the impeachment process would proceed swiftly. 

“The Supreme Court [should] promptly judge this crucial issue so that the country can regain stability and citizens’ daily lives can return to normal as soon as possible,” the bishops said.

The Constitutional Court now faces a 180-day deadline to confirm or reject the National Assembly’s impeachment motion. 

President Yoon is the third South Korean leader to face such proceedings. The outcome remains uncertain, as historical precedent shows diverging results.

In 2017, former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office after a unanimous ruling by the Constitutional Court, following her impeachment in 2016. 

Conversely, the court rejected the 2004 impeachment of former President Roh Moo-hyun after a 63-day review, allowing him to return to office.

It remains to be seen whether President Yoon will actively defend himself during the proceedings or abstain, as Roh and Park did during their respective cases.

The bishops’ appeal for national healing and their stance alongside the people highlights the Church’s role as a moral voice in times of political turmoil. – with reports from Fides News Agency

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