Religious Community Offers Condolences and Sympathy for Worst Wildfire Damage: "Deep Comfort to Victims and Bereaved Families"

"Deepest Condolences to Victims and Bereaved Families"
"Praying for Safety"

As anxiety rises due to the spread of wildfire damage that began in the Yeongnam region, the religious community has conveyed messages of comfort and condolence.

On the 25th, the fourth day since the wildfire broke out in Uiseong-gun, Gyeongbuk, the Choi Chi-won Literature Museum near the entrance of Gounsa Temple in Uiseong-gun was completely destroyed by fire. Yonhap News

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea expressed in a condolence letter signed by Bishop Lee Yong-hoon, "We pray that God gives strength to those enduring indescribable extreme pain and inspires new hope," adding, "We offer our deepest condolences to the residents trembling in fear and those affected, especially the victims and their bereaved families."

They also expressed gratitude to the firefighting personnel working hard to extinguish the wildfires. "We deeply appreciate the tireless dedication of government officials, firefighters, police officers, and volunteers involved in wildfire suppression, rescue operations, and relief efforts for the displaced, and above all, we pray for their safety."

Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, conveyed in a statement, "We pray for the rebirth in paradise of the victims who lost their lives to the flames."

He urged caution to prevent any possible sacrifices among firefighting personnel during the suppression efforts. Jinwoo Sunim said, "While protecting cultural heritage is important, life must always come first. I hope the safety of the firefighting teams is prioritized, and temples in the disaster areas take special care to prevent any casualties."

The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) released a letter signed by General Secretary Kim Jong-saeng, stating, "The Korean church prays with one heart and earnestly hopes that God's comfort, peace, healing, and grace for restoration will be bestowed upon all victims," and "We stand in solidarity with those in deep sorrow and pledge to overcome this crisis and walk the path of recovery together with all citizens."

Na Sang-ho, the head of Won Buddhism’s Central Administrative Office, said, "We deeply pray for the peaceful liberation of those who tragically lost their lives in the wildfire and offer our deepest condolences to all citizens affected," adding, "We intend to provide assistance through all possible means, including on-site support and fundraising activities, so that the affected areas can be swiftly restored and return to normal."

Sungkyunkwan and the nationwide Confucian scholars also extended words of comfort. In an appeal, they stated, "We hope the government will devote all efforts to wildfire suppression and make every possible effort to support the victims and affected areas both materially and spiritually."

The Jogye Order will conduct a special fundraising campaign through its public foundation, Areumdawoon Donghaeng, until the 30th of next month.