The 23rd general council (Debrecen, 1997) agreed to support the process of reunification of the Korean people, peace in the Korean peninsula and the work of diaconal mission of the Korean Christians Federation.

Recent political change in north-east Asia, as well as the globalization process, has caused a radical and unpredictable shift in the geopolitical situation. But the thawing of the last phase of the cold war in the Korean peninsula and particularly the summit meeting of the two Korean leaders in the North and in the South are special signs of hope for the reunification of the Korean people and peace in north-east Asia.

Yet there is still deep structural hostility inside and outside the Korean peninsula. There are also newly emerging threats to human life and peace. One is severe hunger in North Korea, due to drought and economic difficulties; another is the new missile race between the four big powers (USA, Japan, Russia, China), in and around the Korean peninsula.

In the light of the above developments, the Warc executive committee affirms the following:

Diaconal mission is needed for the people of north-east Asia, who are suffering as a result of economic globalization, both in the free market economies and in the present and former socialist countries. Study of the diaconal mission of the church by the churches of the region and the Alliance is also needed.
Renewed prayer for peace in the Korean peninsula and the surrounding north-east Asia region is urgently called for. The new geopolitical situation demands critical study of the strategic military situation, as well as the advocacy of peace by churches and peoples. The peace of north-east Asia is especially threatened by the military might and strategic manoeuvring of the big powers: the USA, Japan, Russia and China.

Resolution adopted by the Warc executive committee during its meeting in Bangalore, India, July 20-29 2000.