22 April, 2006

SOUTH KOREA

Korean bishops: “Live together with disabled people in God-given love”

Marking the 26th national Day of the Sick, the Korean bishops wrote: “It is not physical disabilities but social indifference and prejudice, that pose 'obstacles' for sick people.”

Seoul (AsiaNews/CBCK) – Respect, love and understanding for people with disabilities were at the heart of a message published on 20 April by the Korean Bishops’ Conference to mark the 26th national Day of the Sick.

The message was penned by Mgr Lucas Kim Woon-hoe, Episcopal Vicar for the Social Ministry Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Seoul, who entitled it: "Whatever you do; do everything for the glory of God".

"It is not physical disabilities but social indifference and prejudice, that pose 'obstacles' for disabled people,” wrote Mgr Kim. The bishop asked “all the faithful” to make efforts “to promote the welfare of disabled people” with the weapons of “faith and hope following the Risen Christ who triumphed over the Cross, which is not only glory to God but also salvation for us”.

Bishop Kim urged one and all “to respect the personality and individuality of each person with disabilities”, adding: “Other than sharing our feelings, let us live together by fully using our gifts, time, and love endowed by God."