Tozanso communique October 2004

"Korean peninsula -- A Flashpoint in North East Asia"

Participants of the Tozanso meeting

Fifty-five church leaders and consultants from nine countries of Asia,
Europe and North America met under the auspices of the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) at the Tozanso
YMCA conference centre in Japan from 17th to 21st October 2004 to
commemorate the 20th anniversary of an historical ecumenical consultation
that initiated lines of communication between Christians of the Democratic
Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

In 1984, a consultation on the theme "Peace and Justice in North East Asia
 Prospects for Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts" launched a series of
first-time events that included face-to-face meetings between Korean
delegations from North and South, visits by churches and ecumenical
agencies to both the DPRK and the ROK, as well as visits by delegations of
the Korean Christians Federation (KCF) to churches in Asia, North America,
Europe, and other parts of the world. Collectively, these initiatives have
come to be known as the "Tozanso Process," widely regarded as the
precursor of rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula.

In addition to reviewing the historical events that shaped the period
following the original Tozanso Consultation, participants heard a series
of presentations on current trends shaping inter-Korean and global
relations related to peace and security in the region.

During the worship service that opened the consultation, Dr. Philip
Potter, who as WCC General Secretary 20 years earlier strongly supported
the struggles of the Korean people for democratization and reunification,
led a bible study on prophetic witness for peace and justice.

Dr. Ninan Koshy, former Director of the WCCs Commission of the Churches
on International Affairs, presented a paper on major geopolitical trends
in Asia. Referring to the "second nuclear age" that followed the Cold War
nuclear confrontation, Koshy warned that "the newer nuclear states are
dealing with enemies close at hand  minutes away by missiles  in
conflicts that could unfold quickly." New military doctrines by the USA
call for technology that, according to Koshy, will make it possible to use
nuclear weapons for preemptive strikes as part of available military
responses.

Recalling the recent history of US-DPRK relations, Dr. James Laney,
President Emeritus of Emory University in Atlanta Georgia, and former US
Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, said that the urgency of the Korean
situation requires immediate action. Calling himself a "Christian
realist," Laney said it is important to acknowledge that all people
everywhere are created in the image of God, and therefore have a basic
right to a decent respect. His "modest proposal" is that the USA should
engage with the DPRK, give security assurances, stop the isolation, and
stop exploiting the fears of people.

A former professor at Korea University, Dr. Hahn Bae Ho reviewed the
history of inter-Korean bilateral relations. He said that the two Koreas
have not yet agreed on a "roadmap" leading to a "confederal" stage of
unification, a prospect that would be greatly enhanced if the two Koreas
were "earnestly committed to undertaking internal changes in political,
economic and other areas." However, the Sunshine Policy of engagement and
the North South Joint Declaration of June 2000 created new opportunities
for bilateral relations giving new reasons for hope.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tozanso Consultation as a
significant historical event, the Rev. Kang Yong Sop, Chairman of the
Korean Christians Federation of the DPRK, thanked "colleague brothers and
sisters of church organizations and staff members of the WCC and CCA" for
their contributions to strengthening ecumenical solidarity in support of
Korean peace and reunification. He called on churches "in this time of
crisis" to continue their vigilance in helping to remove US hostile moves
toward the DPRK and supporting the implementation of the June 15, 2000
North-South Joint Declaration.

The Rev. Paik Do-woong, General Secretary of the National Council of
Churches in Korea (NCCK) said that he believes peaceful coexistence has
become a current that cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, he pointed to
increasing opposition by conservative groups  including many Christian
churches  which are against the "Sunshine" policy and the abolition of
the National Security Law. Paik said that the NCCK would continue to seek
the ecumenical communitys commitment to human rights, democracy, peace
and the reunification of Korea.

Dr. David Kwang-sun Suh, professor emeritus of theology at Ewha Womens
University and a chief drafter of the 1988 NCCK Declaration of Korean
Churches on National Reunification and Peace, reflected on this document
in his Bible study. The participants discussed the content of the
Declaration in groups and urged the NCCK to further articulate its meaning
in light of the current situation. They joined in the confession of sins
of hatred and demonizing of adversaries.

Professor Kinhide Mushakoji, Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific
Partnership at Osaka University of Economics and Law, presented an
analytical framework for understanding the Korean dynamic. He criticized
Japan for manipulating diplomatic negotiations rather than confronting its
negative past, and promoted a greater role for United Nations agencies in
the resolution of the Korean conflict.

Representatives of ecumenical partners in Japan, USA, Canada and Germany
presented a review of their activities in the framework of the Tozanso
Process.

The consultation formulated a process for future ecumenical activities
toward peace on the Korean peninsula, including the following
recommendations:

Normalization of relations between the DPRK and the USA and the adoption
of a non-aggression pact will provide a solid foundation for ending the
Armistice and replacing it with a Peace Treaty. Reconciliation between the
US and the DPRK remains the key to diffusing tension in the region.

A more independent regional policy and role by Japan is essential to
create a climate for peace, security and regional stability. The
implementation of the Japan- DPRK Pyongyang Declaration 17 September 2002
will further this process.

Humanitarian support for food, medicine, and other inputs should be
continued by Japan, USA and other countries without conditions attached.
Humanitarian assistance should not be abused for political ends. In order
to address the fundamental economic conditions, donor countries should
consider other forms of assistance like the provision of energy and
development aid.

Lifting of economic sanctions of the DPRK will lead to better living
standards and progress in different sectors of society. The US and Japan
should refrain from using sanctions as a political leverage in their
policy of confrontation and isolation.

The participants encourage the WCC and the CCA to convene a working
group to build an ecumenical network of churches, individuals and
organizations interested in promoting peace and the reunification of
Korea.