1466 Catholic Priests' Political Declaration Calling for "Yoon Seok-yeol's Dismissal"

"Cannot Ignore Public Sentiment" Calls for Resignation

As calls for President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation spread across university campuses nationwide, Catholic priests issued a political statement on the 28th.

Archbishop Ok Hyun-jin and 1,466 Catholic priests stated, "We cannot turn a blind eye to the fierce outcry of public sentiment and thus wish to join the ranks of this political declaration," adding, "Allowing him to serve the remaining half of his term (two and a half years) would ruin both the people and the country, so we have concluded that 'he can no longer continue.'"

The priests urged, "We demand that he be impeached for completely abandoning his duties?from upholding the constitution and protecting the nation to achieving peaceful reunification of the homeland and promoting the welfare of the people." They continued, "Even those who had been cautiously waiting a little longer have now withdrawn their trust and expectations from President Yoon," and said, "Our conscience and reason cannot comprehend the actions he is undertaking."

Regarding President Yoon, they claimed he is "a man of lies who denies what exists and insists on things that do not," and described him as "a strange leader who enriches only a small, well-fed minority while plunging everyone else into ruin."

They added, "He despises the powerless, destroys the social foundation of fellowship, ultimately mocks God, and rejects the Kingdom of God, so there is no reason to tolerate him. We call for love and mercy that sternly rebukes and restores a person's true nature."

In addition to Archbishop Ok, the political statement was signed by four bishops?Bishop Kim Seon-tae (Diocese of Jeonju), Bishop Kim Jong-gang (Diocese of Cheongju), Bishop Kim Ju-young (Diocese of Chuncheon), and Bishop Moon Chang-woo (Diocese of Jeju)?along with 1,461 priests.