**7. Conclusions**

*Saseon* devoted itself not only to the Korean democratization movement against the military dictatorship, but also to the movement for the improvement of the quality of life of laborers, farmers, and the urban poor from 1976 to 1989. The Protestants and Catholics of *Saseon* recognized the social movement as missionary work for building the Kingdom of God on Earth, and actively carried out a social movement based on Christian faith.

Catholicism and Protestantism have a long history of conflict, miscommunication, and tension, which continues to this day. At many times throughout history, Catholics and Protestants have only been able to concentrate on their differences, rather than their similarities. However, thanks to the second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church during the 1970s, which supported inter-faith dialogue, a foundation for cooperation was built. Within Protestantism, there was also a trend to strengthen a dialogue with other religions to carry out God's mission (*Missio Dei*). The situation in Korea, where religious movements encountered relatively little interference from the military dictatorship compared to non-religious social movements, was another factor that created solidarity between Protestant and Catholic churches. Although only a few Protestants and Catholics sought to collaborate in resistance to Korea's dictatorship, they were able to lead social democratization and

the people's right to life movement during a time when non-religious movements were suppressed. The activities of *Saseon* contributed greatly to the formation of the general labor movement, the peasant movement and the urban poor movement in Korea in the late 1980s.

Despite the long conflict and tension, *Saseon* activists worked for the cause of social justice. To promote cooperation between the two religions, Korean Protestant and Catholic activists did not focus on their theological di fferences, but tried to look for ways to coexist. They recognized their theological di fferences, but chose not to focus on them, while developing a social movement on the basis of their similarities.

The solidarity between the Protestant and Catholic churches through *Saseon* has a particular significance in Korea, where many Protestants and Catholics were hostile toward each other. Even today, the ecumenical movement of Korean Protestants and Catholics is not as active or noteworthy as it was in the past, which is why it is important to remember the grea<sup>t</sup> work of this group. On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, many Christians had the chance to reflect on the past and prepare for the future together, ye<sup>t</sup> failed to attempt to bring together Protestantism and Catholicism. In this regard, *Saseon* set an example of solidarity that can be emulated, even now.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The author declares no conflict of interest.
