- College of Theology and United Graduate School of Theology Hold an International Conference ‘May 18 Meets Myanmar’ May 24, 2021
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Issue the ‘Statement of Declaration’ and call for an action
On May 17, 2021, the College of Theology and the United Graduate School of Theology of Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea held an online international conference under the theme of ‘May 18 Meets Myanmar,’ commemorating the May 18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju, South Korea. This conference called for citizens around the world to join the democratization movement, which is currently taking place in Myanmar. Although the online event was held late in the evening Korean time, it was attended by more than 120 people from all around the world.
Led by Professor Sung Uk Lim (New Testament studies) of Yonsei University, the conference ran smoothly. As guest speakers, Professor James Scott (political science) from Yale University, David Moe, an activist from Myanmar and Ph.D. student at Asbury Theological Seminary, and Professor Samuel Y. Pang (world Christianity and missiology) at Yonsei University, participated in the panel discussion.
During this conference, the ‘Statement of Declaration,’ prepared in earnest by the College of Theology and United Graduate School of Theology, was presented in Korean and English by Dean Soo-Young Kwon as the professor representative, and Dileep Kandula as the student representative, respectively, making the event even more valuable.
The event was vital in terms of reflecting on the historical significance of the two democratization movements in Gwangju and Myanmar on a global scale based on the theology of God’s justice. It was opened to not only the Yonsei academic community, but also citizens around the world who are interested in global democracy through Zoom. The full text of the ‘Statement of Declaration’ announced that day is as follows.
Statement of Declaration
Yonsei University College of Theology and United Graduate School of Theology recites this declaration as a way to participate in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement under the aegis of divine justice and love. We hearken to Myanmar’s voices of suffering under the oppressive military regime. The Yonsei theological community furthermore calls upon global citizens to engage in the historic event of democratization in Myanmar.
It is our confession that history bears witness to human response to God’s call. Throughout history, God has governed the world by dint of justice and love intended to be fulfilled by humanity. Thus the Yonsei theological community has the boldness to respond to this divine call by transforming the world from a place of oppression and injustice into a place of justice and peace.
The twentieth century attests to a series of hardships on the Korean peninsula. The Korean population persevered and resisted the atrocities committed under colonial rule (1910—1945). Even after independence, Koreans suffered decades of oppressive military regimes. On the occasion of the May 18th Gwangju democracy movement against military dictatorship, we still remember that democracy in South Korea was not achieved merely by Koreans, but also through the support of awakened citizens on a global scale.
Regrettably, Myanmar’s military regime is now trampling on democracy, depriving innocent citizens of their basic rights and freedoms. Observing the destruction of democracy in Myanmar, the Yonsei theological community declares as follows:
First, the Yonsei theological community denounces Myanmar military’s illegal exercise of armed forces.
Second, the Yonsei theological community endorses the democratic movement in Myanmar.
Third, the Yonsei theological community strives to enact the loving justice of God in solidarity with the people of the world for the sake of constitutional restoration in Myanmar.
May the justice of God shine like the sun and the love of God cover up the entire world like rain!
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- MIRAE
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