ID :
44515
Fri, 02/06/2009 - 18:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/44515
The shortlink copeid
Culture ministry calls for diversity after Christmas tree debate
SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's culture ministry has called on a
municipal government to maintain religious diversity after receiving a complaint
over a Christmas tree in the city hall square, officials said Friday.
A Christian group has since the 1960s decorated a 20-meter high Christmas tree
placed in front of the Seoul City Hall during the Christmas holidays. A
glittering star topped the tree every year until 2001; it was replaced with a
cross from the following year.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that it received a complaint in
December last year from a man who demanded the removal or replacement of the
cross as it is not a cultural symbol for non-Christian people.
"We sent out a letter on Tuesday requesting the Seoul Metropolitan Government's
cooperation in leading the religious community to solve the controversy," said
Kim Hui-nyeon of ministry's religious discrimination center.
"Considering balance among other religious festivals including the Buddha's
Birthday in May, the ministry concluded that religious symbols or feasts should
not make people feel uncomfortable or cause religious distinction," Kim said.
The ministry added that decorating the tree with a cross is not religious
discrimination by the authorities as the Seoul government grants permission to
religious groups to use the plaza according to a city government ordinance.
"If the Seoul government doesn't allow a Buddhist group to use the public square
but lets a Christian group use it, it's definitely discrimination. But as it
gives the permission equally, it is not illegal," said Kim.
The Christian Council of Korea, which sets up the tree every year, said that it
pays little heed to the controversy.
"We've faced opposing views for many years. We have discussed it every year
before we decorate the tree," an official of the group said.
"A Christmas tree itself is a Christian symbol. If they want to eliminate any
religious character from it, they should not use the word Christmas as well."
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
municipal government to maintain religious diversity after receiving a complaint
over a Christmas tree in the city hall square, officials said Friday.
A Christian group has since the 1960s decorated a 20-meter high Christmas tree
placed in front of the Seoul City Hall during the Christmas holidays. A
glittering star topped the tree every year until 2001; it was replaced with a
cross from the following year.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that it received a complaint in
December last year from a man who demanded the removal or replacement of the
cross as it is not a cultural symbol for non-Christian people.
"We sent out a letter on Tuesday requesting the Seoul Metropolitan Government's
cooperation in leading the religious community to solve the controversy," said
Kim Hui-nyeon of ministry's religious discrimination center.
"Considering balance among other religious festivals including the Buddha's
Birthday in May, the ministry concluded that religious symbols or feasts should
not make people feel uncomfortable or cause religious distinction," Kim said.
The ministry added that decorating the tree with a cross is not religious
discrimination by the authorities as the Seoul government grants permission to
religious groups to use the plaza according to a city government ordinance.
"If the Seoul government doesn't allow a Buddhist group to use the public square
but lets a Christian group use it, it's definitely discrimination. But as it
gives the permission equally, it is not illegal," said Kim.
The Christian Council of Korea, which sets up the tree every year, said that it
pays little heed to the controversy.
"We've faced opposing views for many years. We have discussed it every year
before we decorate the tree," an official of the group said.
"A Christmas tree itself is a Christian symbol. If they want to eliminate any
religious character from it, they should not use the word Christmas as well."
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
