Representatives from the churches of North and South Korea have been invited to a World Council of Churches (WCC) organised consultation to examine nuclear proliferation in the region. Organisers say that the gathering, which will take place from 17-21 October, will contribute to soothing the tensions and overcoming the present stalemate which covers the Korean peninsula.

The theme given to the meeting will be ”Korean Peninsula – a flashpoint in North East Asia”. The aims are to review and analyse present developments, and it is expected to produce a common plan for action for advocacy at regional, national and international levels to facilitate peace and reunification.

The agenda of the meeting will particularly focus on the risks of proliferation and its influence on the region and its people. In addition to this, members will also discuss the prospects of six-party talks between North and South Korea, Russia, Japan, China and the USA, which began in 2003 and are aimed at creating a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

It is hoped that strengthening of the churches’ commitment to peaceful reunification can also be facilitated. This cool be achieved through mutual communication and opening up the possibilities of joint prayer, reflection and action.

In Tozanzo, Japan, the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) is also involved in the organisation of the consultation. Many representatives from all around the world will also be invited to attend the conference if they have an interest in the issues of Korean reunification.

After the conference it is planned that the results of the meeting will be widely shared between the WCC and CCA member churches as well as governments involved within the six-party talks.

During the gathering, Dr James Laney, who is the former USA ambassador to South Korea, will produce an assessment of the six-party talks, and discuss in detail the likelihood of an amicable settlement.

Ex-director of the WCC Commission of Churches in International Affairs (CCIA), professor Ninan Koshy will review and report on the major geopolitical trends in Asia, and professor Han Bae Ho will discuss the prospects of a bilateral relationship being built between North and South Korea.

The World Council of Churches has had a history of involvement in Korean affairs, and actively supported the development of human rights and the building of a democratic state during the military dictatorship in the southern country.

In 1984, the WCC also held a consultation with the CCA, to discuss the ecumenical initiative for peace and reunification in Korea, which was eventually implemented into the region. The upcoming meeting will also act as a 20th anniversary of this great achievement.

Earlier this year in August, the WCC executive committee issued a statement on the affairs of Korea, and the CCA recently decided to give the issues on Korea its priority focus until the WCC’s 9th Assembly in 2006.