From Mary Ann Koch:
Last month I had the opportunity of attending a United Methodist meeting and hearing Heecheon Jeon’s presentation about North and South Korea. He gave an overview of the background relationships that now exist between North and South Korea, the U.S., Japan, Russia, and China.
After hearing his presentation I felt that it was something I wanted to share with others that I knew. He has graciously agreed to share his insights again. I am sure that those who will be able to attend this talk will go away with a much better understanding of the dynamics at work today in that part of the world.
I would appreciate it if you would share the following announcement with your contact list.
Understanding the Two Koreas
As the United States makes plans for a historic summit with North Korea, Heecheon Jeon will analyze the root causes of the historic tensions that exist in that part of the world. More information leads to better understanding, leads to relationships, leads to peace. Born in South Korea, educated in the US, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, and a liberation theologian, he will speak at the Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community (3306 University Ave, Des Moines) on Wednesday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m. Reception to follow.
From Daniel Jasper (AFSC):
The world is watching as President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un prepare for a historic meeting later this month. The summit could serve as a critical step to deescalate tensions between the U.S. and the Democratic People’s Republc of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) and lay the groundwork for diplomacy.
This diplomatic opportunity is not just about ending a nuclear standoff; it’s about ending the Korean War, which was never officially ended. Addressing humanitarian concerns can help transform this conflict and should be part of the summit discussions because humanitarian issues offer opportunities for the U.S. and DPRK to build trust on the long road toward peace on the Korean peninsula.
Ask him to pursue issues such as:
1. Easing restrictions on U.S. humanitarian work in the DPRK.
2. Repatriating the remains of U.S. service members left in the DPRK after the Korean War.
3. Reuniting Korean and Korean-American families.
4. Beginning people-to-people exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, with North Korean participants.
Based on AFSC’s experience working on the Korean Peninsula for the past 65 years, we know that peace is possible. And in recent months, the world has seen more favorable signs for U.S.-DPRK humanitarian cooperation, including the DPRK sending athletes to the Olympics, the South and North agreeing to restart a military hotline, a meeting between the South and North Korean leaders, and the coordination of this summit with the U.S.
In peace,
Daniel Jasper
AFSC Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator
Quakers, social justice and revolution 