천주교 서울대교구 사회사목국 이주사목위원회 MIGRANT PASTORAL COMMISSION

Message from the Chairman of the Committee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea

(September 29, 2024)

God Walks with His People

- Walking with Migrants is the Mission of the Church -

Dear brothers and sisters,

We live in an era where "migration" is occurring frequently around the world due to various issues and crises such as war, human rights abuse, climate change, and poverty. We encounter migrant workers, international students, and those who stay in hopes of being recognized as refugee in various nationalities even in Korean society. It is undeniable that migrants will play a significant role in the future of Korean society, which is expected to face crises because of low birth rate and an aging population. However, public opinion toward migrants, whose numbers are increasing day by day, is somewhat mixed, with both welcome and concern.

The mission and role of the church has become more important than ever due to the mixed public perception of the "migration phenomenon." Social awareness of the influx of migrants and refugees tends to be built mainly within the economy, politics, and popular logic. The church is concerned that perception of hate and discrimination may arise in this process. Within the selfish and exclusive logic that prioritizes only the interests and rights of indigenous people, immigrants and refugees are not respected and are forced to live as the weak.

First, the church remembers the life journey of all of us, the path of ‘migration’ toward the kingdom of heaven, that is, unique pilgrimage nature of the church and its identity as a 'community of God' in order to overcome the social confusion and discrimination that can appear as a 'migration phenomenon'.

The ‘Lumen Gentium’ reminds us that all Christians ‘must approach to the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit’ and that this is the nature of the Church as the People of God (cf. LG 4). This journey with the Triune God is also the spirit of the ‘Synodality’ that we are currently on. As pilgrims, we must be able to convey the gospel to the world that has been deepened through our experience.

The gospel, enriched by the church’s experiences of migration, becomes more profound and offers hope to migrants through proclamation. Further, it is an opportunity for indigenous people to understand and have brotherhood toward migrants. The church's essential task of evangelization and mission is more urgently needed in this era of confusion over migration issues.

The Church is not a community that has reached its destination, building walls to settle down. Rather, It is a pilgrim (migrant) community that continues its journey toward the kingdom of heaven. In its journey, the church must not settle for its “present position” but must maintain its identity as a “departure” that constantly ponders and seeks a new path. The church’s journey begins again at any time from the problems it faces in the changing times. That is why the church should not be obsessed with worldly things and settling down. That is why it should break away from conventional and closed cultures and find an newly open way. Openness and inclusiveness to accept everyone in new path are characteristics that the church community must follow. This is because the church is 'one' beyond the differences in race, ethnicity, culture, and language.

Every encounter on the road is an encounter with Christ, especially with those in need. The “stranger” in Mt 25, 35 can be understood as “migrants and refugees.” Respect, hospitality, and protection for them are love for Christ. The Church will gladly serve for the mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony of immigrants of different nationalities. Let us work together to become a “migrant community walking with the Lord” overcoming the selfish culture prevalent in the world.

At this time when local churches around the world are together in the spirit of the Synod, let us prayer for the church’s efforts to walk with migrants, which can be a sign of the Gospel that reveals “God walks within his people.”

110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

September 29, 2024

Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek

Chairman of Migrant Pastoral Committee

Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea