The Communion of Churches in Korea (CCIK) has called for "a complete ban on politically biased remarks from the pulpit" ahead of the nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3.
In a pastoral letter sent to church leaders and congregants on Wednesday under the name of Chairman Kim Jung-suk, the council said, "The Korean church must responsibly respond to the call of the times for the restoration of democracy and national unity."
The council said Christians "should pray for political leaders who serve the people with passion, responsibility, and integrity to be raised up." It added, "After the election, the people's choice should be respected, and we should spare no prayers and encouragement so that those elected can embrace the divided public sentiment and serve the people righteously."
The council further urged, "We must move beyond indifference and cynicism to participate in the election and fulfill our responsibility as sovereign citizens," adding that "all candidates must stop political strife, slander, and incitement, and instead compete with policies and visions."
The council emphasized, "The church must comply with the Public Official Election Act and democratic order, and must prohibit any remarks from the pulpit that show political bias or advocate for specific political forces."
