Statement on the launching of test missiles by North Korea

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

In solidarity with the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK), We, the Co-Executives and the Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific of the Global Ministries of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), USA and Canada, and United Church of Christ, USA (UCC) express deep sorrow over the decision by North Korea to conduct missile tests on July 5, 2006.

Real and lasting peace cannot be achieved through the use of weapons. Even as we have urged our own government in the United States to step down its military actions abroad, we urge the North Korean leadership to return to the negotiating table and engage in dialogue to reduce the level of military tensions in the Korean peninsula. Intensifying the military situation only serves to isolate the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from the international community, and contributes to the suffering of the North Korean people.

We endorse the Appeal issued by the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea on July 7, 2006 urging “all concerned countries to normalize the diplomatic relations with North Korea and transform the current situation of conflict into a constructive process towards peace.”

As Christians and prophets, we have been called to be peace-makers, bearers of light in the darkness. Therefore, we to support nonviolent efforts aimed at peacemaking in the region, and pray for a new era of cooperation and dialogue.

As Christians, we are keeping praying for the people, churches and the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Rev. Xiaoling Zhu
Executive, East Asia and the Pacific, Global Ministries

Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte
Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Dr. David A. Vargas
President, Division of Overseas Ministries
Co-Executive Director, Global Ministries