Faith and Justice in the Face of Right-Wing Extremism: An International Ecumenical Forum

Faith and Justice in the Face of Right-Wing Extremism: An International Ecumenical Forum

The recent declaration of martial law by and the impeachment proceedings against Former President Yoon Suk-yeol has shocked South Korea and beyond, exposing the vulnerability of the democracy as well as the significance of citizens’ active participation in upholding the values of democracy. The active involvement of certain religious groups in fueling political polarization throughout the process raised deep concern within ecumenical community. This moment calls for serious reflections on the role of churches and ecumenical movements in upholding peace, justice, and democratic values amid growing threats of authoritarianism, xenophobia, and religious nationalism.

In response to these rising challenges, the International Ecumenical Forum was held from June 30 to July 1, 2025 under the theme: “The Rise of Right-Wing Extremism and the Response of the Global Ecumenical Community”. Co-hosted by National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and Christian Institute for the Study of Justice and Development, the forum brought together 70 scholars, theologians, faith leaders, and youth from Korea, the United States, Germany, the Philippines, Japan, and other regions to examine the theological, historical, and sociopolitical roots of far-right ideologies and to discern the role of churches and faith-based movements in resisting hate, division, and militarization. 

Participants from organizations such as the NCCK, the World Council of Churches (WCC), APAY and Korea YMCA, YWCA, the Korean Student Christian Federation (KSCF) shared testimonies and analyses of how right-wing extremism is undermining democracy in various parts of the world. They expressed deep concern about how certain political-religious alliances may intensify social division and challenge democratic values.

This forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen ecumenical solidarity across borders, faiths, and generations. There was strong consensus on the need for sustained collective action to confront extremism and reclaim the moral and spiritual foundations of justice, peace, and human dignity.

From APAY, Rev. Dr. Ahn Jae-Woong, the founding Chair of the APAY Honours Society, Ms. Mimi Han, member of Gender Equity Committee, Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary and Ms. Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary for Youth Empowerment, attended the forum. The Asia Pacific YMCA (APAY)’s participation affirms its role as an engaged ecumenical partner in the global struggle for a Just and democratic World.

Prepared by Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary, APAY

A Briefing Session on Palestine Today Conducted by NCY and YMCA Japan

A Briefing Session on Palestine Today Conducted by NCY and YMCA Japan

On 7 July, a briefing session titled 'What is Happening in Palestine Today?' was held in Tokyo. The event featured Peter Nasir, General Secretary of the East Jerusalem YMCA (Palestine). The event was organized by NCYJ and the YWCA Japan.

Mr. Nasir reported on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many lives are being lost, and on the brutal violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. He also introduced the activities of the East Jerusalem YMCA, including trauma care and rehabilitation for victims, employment support and community services for women — all of which are carried out in challenging circumstances.

During the session, participants had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Mr. Nasir and share their thoughts on how Japan can contribute to the resolution of the crisis.

The day before the briefing session, Mr. Nasir also met with young people, mainly members of the Student YMCA. He answered questions from the young people and promised to help create opportunities for youth exchanges between Palestine and Japan in future.

Before visiting Tokyo, Peter attended the YMCA World Urban Network (WUN) conference in Osaka, visited Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and toured local YMCAs in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. He also spent time interacting with groups engaged in Palestine support and solidarity activities in various locations.

In response to Peter's appeal to 'not forget about Palestine', Japan YMCAs will continue to actively promote support activities and exchange programs, including the 'Olive Tree Campaign', which aims to achieve peace with justice in Palestine.

TAZUKE Kazuhisa
The National Council of YMCAs of Japan

2nd Korea Peace Day - Sing for Peace: End Hostility, Build Peace

Last Updated (Monday, 30 June 2025 13:34)

2nd Korea Peace Day - Sing for Peace: End Hostility, Build Peace

On June 6, 2025, more than 3,200 citizens gathered at Imjingak in Paju, South Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), to participate in the 2nd Korea Peace Day. Marking the 80th year since Korea’s liberation and division, the event brought together people across Korea─including the representatives from religious communities, artists, youth, and civil society─under the slogan: “Sing for Peace: End Hostility, Build Peace”.

Joining in solidarity for Just World, GS Nam Boo Won and Yura Rhee from Asia Pacific YMCA -APAY also attended the event, showing the support for citizen-led peace initiatives on the Korean Peninsula. It was meaningful to highlight the shared hope for peace not only within Korea but across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Singing for Peace

At the heart of the event was a large-scale peace concert featuring choirs, traditional music groups, and youth orchestras from across Korea. Among the performers were choir and orchestra from local YMCAs. The concert culminated in a powerful moment when citizens held hands to form a symbolic human chain for peace, followed by the public declaration of a shared vision for peaceful inter-Korean reconciliation

One standout performance was the youth-led “Reaching Peace” busking show, performed by young musicians, singers, and rappers from both South and North Korean backgrounds. Nearly 500 people enjoyed this show, amplifying the youth’s heartfelt messages of hope and unity.

Peace Pilgrimage by Land and Sea

In the two weeks leading up to the Peace Day, two peace pilgrimages set out from the opposite corners of South Korea with the goal of converging at Imjingak on June 6.

The land pilgrimage, covering 385 kilometers along the DMZ, began in Goseong and included religious leaders from Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Korea’s native faith traditions. Their walk symbolized a journey of healing and solidarity.

Meanwhile, a sea pilgrimage departed from Jeju Island─the southernmost point of Korea─on a 700-kilomemter sailing voyage aboard the non-motorized yacht Jonah Wale. Despite severe wind conditions, mechanical issues, and even an entanglement with a fishing net that led to a ship change, the crew persisted on the peace sailing pilgrimage. Their arrival for the Peace Day celebrations was a powerful testament to resilience and dedication to peace.

The release of Peace Statement

The 2025 Korean People’s Peace Statement was released from this event and the essence is as follows:

1. We, citizens gathered in Paju, called upon President Lee Jae-myung for pragmatic peace policies for the peaceful lives of 80 million Koreans, North and South.
2. We urged the leaders of both Koreas to meet unconditionally.
3. We requested the UN, international organizations, and global civil society to take action to end the wars in Palestine and Ukraine.

(See the full statement at the bottom)

Building a Culture of Peace for Citizen-Led Future

This year’s event built on the legacy of citizen-led peace movements, including the inaugural Korea Peace Day in Cheorwon in 2024, and earlier efforts such as the “DMZ Holding Hands: Spring Picnic to the DMZ” in April 2017. That event, which had approximately 200,000 citizens joining hands across DMZ bordering cities to advocate for peaceful reunification, was put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic but re-emerged as Korea Peace Day.

Organized by the Border Peace School and other grassroots networks, the initiative seeks to create engaging peace culture rooted in citizen participation, especially in DMZ-adjacent regions. The next Korea Peace Day will be held in Yeoncheon in 2026, envisioning over 100,000 participants.

By Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary, APAY