Amid the ongoing hostage situation involving Korean Christians in Afghanistan, the Presbyterian Church of Korea said Friday it deeply repents that its leaders have not been more careful guiding and managing overseas volunteer work conducted by church members.

In a letter to its followers, the Reverend Lee Kwang-seon, chairman of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea, grieved over the death of the Reverend Bae Hyung-kyu, who had been murdered by the Taliban during his humanitarian aid work in Afghanistan.

Offering condolences to Bae’s bereaved family, the Reverend Lee also expressed regret over the hostage situation and said the church feels endless responsibility for the tragic incident.

Lee added that the Korean church will conduct missionary work with a long-term perspective and deeper understanding of other cultures.

The minister also urged the Taliban to immediately free the 22 hostages.

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