[Opinion] A President’s Religion

Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev’s confession of his faith is making headlines in Europe. Gorbachev, 77, who used to claim to be an atheist, made a surprise visit to the grave of Father San Francesco in Italy a few days ago. In front of the grave, he said, “Father was another Jesus Christ to me. He changed my life.” The British Daily Telegraph claims that Gorbachev’s remarks are proof that Gorbachev is a believer, though he is reluctant to reveal his religious faith because he is a communist leader. Meanwhile, the Italian daily La Stampa praised his remarks, saying it was “mental perestroika.”

Though presidents are political leaders, they are also human. Religion or faith can be of great help to those who have to make difficult and lonely decisions. Of course, presidents also have the freedom to religion. However, for leaders in countries where people strongly believe in Marxism, which refers to religion as “opium,” they have no choice but to hide their religious belief just like Gorbachev. Apart from Islamic countries, almost no other country has a certain religion as their state religion. In Korea, the constitution stipulates that politics and religion be separated.

If the president has a religion, it can be a plus in attracting votes in elections, but it may also make them fall prey to their opposition. When Protestants tenaciously took issue with former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s religion in the 1960 president election, Kennedy directly fired back, saying, he was not a Catholic running for president, but an American running for president. When Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, was attacked for being a Mormon, he said, in response, that he would serve for people, not an interest group.

President Lee Myung-bak made a surprise visit to Sudeok Temple of Yesan, South Chungcheong Province on Tuesday and met with the temple’s abbot. This was the first time the temple received a visit from a president. President Lee is known by the public to be a former elder and attendee of Somang Church in southern Seoul. Some people believe his trip to Sudeok Temple was his way of reaching out to the Buddhist community.

Minister In Myeong-jin stated, “President Lee is a Protestant. But during his appointment in office, it will be good for him to keep his distance from Protestantism and Somang church.”

Heo Moon-young, Editorial Writer, angelhuh@donga.com