The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea has expressed opposition to the government's plan to issue state-designated Korean history textbooks for middle and high schools.
 
In a statement issued Thursday, the group said that under no circumstances should the government produce history textbooks, calling on the government to scrap the plan and start discussions from square one.
 
The group said despite objections from historians and civic organizations, the government and the ruling camp announced and are actively pursuing plans to issue the single-standardized books.
 
The group said the government and ruling party are accusing those opposed to the textbooks of being leftists or pro-North Korea. The group said the government is causing division in public opinion when it should be promoting national unity.