SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Jogye Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, lit its annual Christmas tree on Thursday evening in a ceremony emphasizing interfaith harmony amid global and domestic tensions.
The event, held at the temple’s main gate in central Seoul, brought together leaders from Korea’s major religious communities, including representatives from Catholicism, Protestantism, Won Buddhism, Cheondoism and Confucianism, underscoring a collective call for peace and solidarity.
In a Christmas message, Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, celebrated the birth of Jesus, saying the teachings of compassion in Buddhism and the Christian commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” reflect “a truth that transcends religious boundaries.”
“We may walk different paths, but we share the same aspiration to ease human suffering and brighten the world,” he said, urging religious groups to stand together in protecting the vulnerable and reducing social conflict.
Jinwoo added that interfaith unity remains one of society’s most powerful forces for peace.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
