To The People of Jeju Island and Gangjeong Village

We, the undersigned faith-based, peace activists, environmentalists, and other civil society members and organizations, offer our solidarity as you celebrate the 2014 Gangjeong March for Life and Peace from July 29 to August 2. We join you in calling for the protection of Gangjeong Village and Jeju Island from expanded militarization which threatens all of Creation.

We believe your on-going public witness is a sign of hope that another world is possible in which people of goodwill and faith from all cultures and religions can join together in a shared vision for peace. We celebrate your courage and creativity in expressing your voices for peace and for the wholeness of life.

We join you calling for global peace and a world free of violence in all its forms. We see the militarization of Jeju Island as part of a broader emphasis from the West on the militarization of the Asia Pacific. History tells us that military bases threaten ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the livelihoods of the local community, with women and children being particularly vulnerable. Military bases, missiles, missile defense systems once again place Jeju and the entire Korean peninsula directly in the crosshairs of war between larger more powerful nations.

As the world’s gaze turns to Jeju Island these days during your March for Life and Peace, know that we are inspired by your witness and stand with you in joy and hope that peace is possible.