The Courage of Ven. Father Choe Yang-eop

In the recent Catholic Weekly Building Bridges Column we hear about Father Thomas Choe Yang-eop who was given the title "Servant of God", the first step on the path to sainthood in 2004, declared "venerable" in 2016, the final stage to sainthood remains.

He was the second Korean Priest who followed St. Kim Taegon, Andrew. Fr. Choe clearly saw the harm caused by Bishop Ferréol, the Bishop of Joseon, (Korea), using the nobility as assistants in the diocese. "Those clerks committed many condemnable acts, behaved arrogantly, using their noble status, and were despised by all the believers. However, the bishop particularly loved and trusted them, consulting with them on all matters." This is an excerpt from a letter sent by Father Choe to his priest mentor, after Bishop Ferreol's death (dated September 15, 1857). The letter reveals how negative the public opinion of the nobility was in Joseon at the time.

"All the people recognized and were weary of the nobility's arrogance, presumption, tyranny, and immorality as the root of all social evils and the cause of their misery."

Father Choe reports that the discord among the believers worsened due to the hierarchical system within the church, which further tilted an already skewed playing field. He advised Bishop Ferreol several times through letters and interviews to dismiss the nobles who were working with him, but he only received reprimands and earned the clerks' great animosity.

Father Choe Yang-eop had a clear consciousness that the nobility system was contrary to the Gospel and the spirit of Christ. "In a (class) system that recognizes the nobility, there can be no brotherly love or charity, and innate human rights are completely ignored.  If talent and character were evaluated without regard to birth the whole system would easily collapse." Father Choe also said that missionary priests should learn about the reality, customs, and thoughts of the common people of Joseon before coming to Korea.

More than a century and a half has passed since Father Choe Yang-eop was active. A recent survey revealed that over two-thirds of respondents agree with the claim that Korea has become a 'new class society.' The most cited cause for this new class system was 'parents' socioeconomic status,' followed by 'unequal political and social structures.' Kinship, regional connections, school ties, and an individual's education and competitiveness were found to be of minor significance. How does the church view the increasingly severe phenomenon of wealth inheritance? Can the church be free from this new class system?

As efforts and prayers continue for the beatification of Father Choe Yang-eop known as the 'martyr of sweat', it would be good to heed his words on the class system and the nobility. Are there any unequal structures or customs within the church today that contradict the life and teachings of Christ? Who are the people involved in the church's decision-making process? Are there any 'new nobility'? Is the Korean church, which prides itself on being established by laypeople, still or even more clergy-centric? One reflects on the faith and courage of Father Choe Yang-eop, who continued to speak out against the bishop despite reprimands.