In a significant development highlighting tensions between government action and religious freedom, a worldwide coalition of religious leaders and organizations has formally protested the cancellation of a major international religious event in South Korea. The controversy stems from an administrative decision made by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO), a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, to cancel the venue rental for the ‘Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony’ just hours before it was set to begin on October 30 in Paju, South Korea.
The event, organized by two prominent religious organizations, was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 78 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing various faiths such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. The abrupt cancellation, which occurred at 11 pm on the eve of the event when preparations were already underway, has resulted in significant financial and psychological damage to the organizers and international participants.
In response to this action, 402 organizations, 758 religious representatives, and 977 individuals from around the world, totaling 1,735 signatories, have delivered a joint protest statement to the Government of the Republic of Korea. The statement, delivered on November 27, condemns the cancellation as an act of biased religious oppression through public power and emphasizes the need for accountability.
The protesters argue that the cancellation violates Article 20 of the South Korean Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. They contend that this action constitutes unconstitutional discrimination against a specific religion, infringing upon religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law. Furthermore, they claim it is an act that divides the people and the country.
The joint statement demands several actions from the South Korean government, including an official apology from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization to both domestic and international religious organizations and the global community. It also calls for appropriate disciplinary actions against the officials responsible for handling this matter and the strengthening of fair and transparent venue reservation procedures and preliminary consultation systems.
The incident has attracted international attention, with over 88 global leaders, including international law experts, religious leaders, education experts, heads of organizations, and journalists, sending official documents and protest letters to the Republic of Korea. These leaders expressed shock and disappointment at the administrative action and demanded prompt and appropriate measures.
The timeline of events leading to the cancellation reveals a complex situation. The venue rental was initially approved on July 22, with the full payment made on October 2. A working-level meeting was held on October 16 to discuss event details and safety plans, with officials assuring organizers that the event would proceed despite Paju City being designated a danger zone due to potential North Korean provocations. However, on October 29, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon unilaterally notified the cancellation, citing security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and activities by a North Korean defector group.
Organizers allege that pressure from opposing groups, including vested religious interests, influenced the decision. They point out that other events in the same area proceeded without disruption on October 19-20 and November 4, raising questions about the consistency of the security concerns cited for the cancellation.
This incident has broader implications for religious freedom and administrative practices in South Korea. It highlights the delicate balance between security concerns and the protection of constitutional rights, particularly in areas sensitive to geopolitical tensions. The international response underscores the global significance of religious freedom and the potential diplomatic repercussions of actions perceived as discriminatory or oppressive towards religious groups.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the South Korean government will respond to the demands of the protesters and address the concerns raised by the international community. The resolution of this controversy could have far-reaching effects on South Korea’s reputation for religious tolerance and its handling of international religious events in the future.
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