NCCK: "No Support for Specific Presidential Candidates or Extreme Remarks"

National Council of Churches in Korea Issues Appeal
Urges Orderly Presidential Election Celebration
Calls to Avoid Endorsing Specific Candidates and Extreme Statements

Ahead of the 21st presidential election, the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), an alliance of Protestant organizations, issued an appeal in the name of its representative chairpersons, urging the Christian community to take the lead in ensuring that the election becomes an orderly national celebration.

According to the appeal released on the 22nd, the NCCK first called on all Christian denominations and organizations to refrain from expressing support for specific candidates. The statement explained, "Our organization, as well as individual denominations and groups, uphold political neutrality and avoid political bias in supporting particular candidates," adding, "This is because of our desire and mission to resolve extreme conflicts caused by antagonism and confrontation, to preserve the pure gospel, and to open the path to national unity."

The council also urged caution regarding extreme expressions of support and actions. "During this election process, the remarks of some church leaders have already damaged the church's reputation through political bias and have embarrassed many believers who serve God," the statement said. "We advise all church leaders to stop misleading the public as if they represent the church in the name of individuals or similar groups, and to be careful not to cause any unfortunate incidents by violating the law."

Finally, the council called for preparing for the election through prayer. "Let us pray that a candidate who fears God, cherishes the lives of all citizens, and listens to the voice of the people will be elected," the statement urged. "The future of the Republic of Korea, whether we want it or not, belongs to the next generation. Let all churches pray for Korea, and especially for the next generation," it concluded.