The statement recalled that the floor leader of the "Grand National Party" threatened the director for general affairs of the Buddhist Jogye Order, saying that "How can the chief priest critical of the government be allowed to stay in the present post?"

As for the chief priest at issue is concerned, he only opposed the authorities' "project for improving the four big rivers" which has touched off the condemnation by the people, it noted, adding:

The remarks of the floor leader of the GNP cannot be construed otherwise than the official stand of the ruling party and "Chongwadae", not merely his individual viewpoint.

It is the reality of the south Korean society that all those who stand against the wrong policy of the authorities are stigmatized as "left", the statement deplored.

It denounced the authorities for stretching their tentacles of suppression even to religion in a bid to stay in power. It demanded they stop the suppression of religion, apologize to all the people and step down at once.