South Korean religious circles have demanded an apology from North Korea for its military provocation on Yeongpyeong Island near the maritime inter-Korean border and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The Jogye Buddhist order said through its spokesman, the Venerable Wondam, that no expression of intent that uses violence can be condoned.

The Jogye order also urged the two Koreas to begin dialogue for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean Association of Church Communication, which speaks for conservative Christian churches, said North Korea must be condemned for its provocations when the world wants peace and dialogue. It said the Stalinist nation must immediately cease its acts of violence if it wants to be recognized as a legitimate nation in the international community.