A Matter of Religious Freedom

[Kingdom of Ireland]

Following the death of Pope John Paul I, The Republic of Korea and Otomo Daimyo of Kyushu, both Catholic realms in Asia, announce that they are switching their allegiance to the Pope in Ayutthaya. Discussions arise over this move, but both nations state that they made the switch in order to strengthen ties with other nations in Asia. Uncertainty remains over what other Catholics in Asia, especially those in the Philippines, will do.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry questions the right for a government to determine which religious leader is the correct one for its population to follow, and expresses its concern for true religious freedom in both nations. A nation which values its multicultural expression, China is worried that such a unilateral declaration may precipitate prejudice against religious minorities. Particular emphasis is placed on the Daimyo of Kyushu, as a military government the Chinese nation is especially concerned of the abuse of minorities.

[Alanston]

After convening to discuss matters with other leaders of Kyushu, Daimyo Otomo Yoshihisa issues a statement in response to the Chinese concerns. The Chinese are informed that those living on Kyushu were the ones who requested the switch to the Pope in Ayutthaya, stating that Rome has lost favour with God. With regards to the so-called "concern for minorities", the Daimyo reassures the Chinese that there are still full minority rights for the few Shinto's and Buddhists living in Kyushu. He points out that Kyushu, as a nation that arose out of Japanese persecution of the minority Christians, takes great care to not repeat the sins of the past. He also points out that Kyushu is a nation that shares a single ethnic identity, and where a majority of the population follows a shared belief (Catholicism). The Daimyo also questions why it is any of China's business who the people of Kyushu worship, if the Chinese claim to support "true religious freedom".

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In Korea, a nation with a fully functioning democracy, the President informs the Chinese that the decision was taken with full discussion from the Catholic citizens of Korea, and that those who do not wish to switch from Rome to Ayutthaya are free to do so. The Korean President further informs the Chinese that there is full respect of ethnic and cultural minorities in Korea, and that the government strongly condemns any violence undertaken against minorities - religious or otherwise. The President also praises China's efforts in religious freedom and multicultural expression over the past decades.