Jinwoo Says "Some Deaths Are Too Unjust... We Must Not Turn Away from Sexual Minorities"

Special Dharma Meeting Held on June 22
Inviting and Honoring the Socially Disadvantaged for an Equal World

"Some deaths are unbearably unjust, and some lives are discarded far too easily."

On June 22, Jinwoo, head monk of the Jogye Order, called for greater attention from all sectors of society toward the socially disadvantaged during a special Dharma meeting for an equal world, held at Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Jinwoo will mark his 1,000th day as the Jogye Order's head monk on June 23. For this Dharma meeting, 40 people were invited, including victims of jeonse fraud, cleaning workers, and call center employees.

On the 22nd, Jinwoo, head monk of the Jogye Order, attended a special Dharma meeting inviting socially disadvantaged people for an equal world held at Beopwangru, Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and delivered a greeting. Photo by Yonhap News

During the event, Jinwoo mentioned the workers from various fields who attended the meeting, saying, "Care workers, migrant workers, emotional laborers, delivery workers, and platform delivery drivers are all essential workers supporting the new era, yet in reality, they are forced to endure extremely harsh conditions."

He went on to emphasize, "Those living with disabilities, families who shoulder both the burden of caring for parents with dementia and making a living, and young people who have lost their homes overnight due to jeonse fraud?these people are not simply 'social issues,' but 'us,' breathing here together right now."

Jinwoo further stated, "Buddhism is a religion that recognizes the diversity of life and accepts all living beings as they are," and urged, "We must not turn away from sexual minorities, who are most cruelly targeted by hatred and discrimination."

On the 22nd, monks and devotees attending the Jogye Order's special Buddhist service for socially disadvantaged people for an equal world, held at Beopwangru, Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are praying. Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "I hope that the Dharma we have shared today will become a small light in someone's heart, offering quiet comfort," and said that Bongeunsa Temple should not merely be a symbol of prosperity, but a place of compassion standing with those who suffer. Bongeunsa Temple donated 5 million won as a fund for the treatment of migrant workers.

Meanwhile, at the Dharma meeting, a representative from Bulban, a Buddhist LGBTQ group, read a prayer for an equal world, stating, "Though we may have different names, we are all precious connections, one body and one life, each fulfilling our roles for one another. With the Buddha's wisdom and compassion, we pray for a world of equality without poverty and discrimination, and for a happy community built on coexistence and mutual prosperity."

After the Dharma meeting, Jinwoo had lunch with the invited socially disadvantaged guests and listened to their stories.