Religious groups, championing their non-violent principles, have come to the forefront of the rallies against American beef imports, to calm growing concerns about the violent nature of the protests.Leaders of Christian and Buddhist groups are set to hold candlelight prayer vigils throughout the week at Seoul Plaza in central Seoul, which many expect will deter violence and promote peaceful protest. The warlike mood that had permeated in the protests was replaced by a solemn and peaceful one Monday and yesterday, with a group of priests leading thousands of vigil participants in Seoul Plaza.
"What keeps the candlelight alive is the power of nonviolence.
Should this principle be breached, the candle flames would die for good," said a member of the Catholic Priests' Association for Justice, a progressive priests' group known for its anti-dictatorship movements in the 1980s.No violent clashes between police and protesters were witnessed Monday, in stark contrast to the previous day. A total of 400 people, including 112 police officers, were wounded over the weekend, causing skepticism in many citizens about the increasingly acrimonious rallies.
"We, as religious people, expect our participation in the vigils to help diminish violence and promote peaceful demonstrations."
How marvelous, how wonderful! ;)
2 comments:
What The World Needs Now Is Love... and more co-operation between religions. What if the principles of love and peace really did exist?
Great piece, Beth. I was amazed to read about it and wondered at what level did they start talking to one another.-nd
I agree auntie...religions should bring people together in peace, not tear them apart in violence. Nice to see them working together in this case.
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