Pyongyang, December 26 (KCNA) -- Messages of condolences came from ten religious organizations in south Korea on the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

They included the Peace Council of Religionists, the General Affairs Department of the Central Committee of Chondoism, Buddhist Orders Council, Headquarters for Promoting the National Community of Buddhist Jogye Order, Buddhist Association for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, Round Buddhism, Council of Christian Church, Christian Presbyterian Church, Catholic Priests' Council for Justice and the Committee for Reconciliation of the Council of the Association of Catholic Bishops.

In the messages they expressed sincere condolences over the demise of Chairman of the National Defence Commission Kim Jong Il.

The messages extended deep sympathy to the compatriots in the north and its religionists overwhelmed with bitter sorrow at the loss of their supreme leader.

They hoped that the June 15 joint declaration and the October 4 declaration signed by Kim Jong Il at the south-north summits would be implemented.

The messages called on all the religionists in the south and the north to overcome the present sorrow and advance along the avenue of national reconciliation and peaceful reunification.