To The People of Jeju Island and
Gangjeong Village
We, the undersigned faith-based, peace
activists, environmentalists, and other civil society members and
organizations, offer our solidarity as you celebrate the 2014 Gangjeong March
for Life and Peace from July 29 to August 2. We join
you in calling for the protection of Gangjeong Village and Jeju Island from
expanded militarization which threatens all of Creation.
We believe your on-going public witness
is a sign of hope that another world is possible in which people of goodwill
and faith from all cultures and religions can join together in a shared vision
for peace. We celebrate your courage and
creativity in expressing your voices for peace and for the wholeness of life.
We join you calling for global peace and
a world free of violence in all its forms. We see the militarization of
Jeju Island as part of a broader emphasis from the West on the militarization
of the Asia Pacific. History tells us
that military bases threaten ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the livelihoods
of the local community, with women and children being particularly
vulnerable. Military bases, missiles,
missile defense systems once again place Jeju and the entire Korean peninsula
directly in the crosshairs of war between larger more powerful nations.
As the world’s gaze turns to Jeju
Island these days during your March for Life and Peace, know that we are inspired by your witness and stand with you in joy and hope that peace is
possible.
In support of Fr Pat, Columbans missionaries and all Koreans especially those living on the beautiful island of Jeju for an immediate cessation of all military base activities