Buddhists protest 'pro-Christian bias'

Tens of thousands of South Korean Buddhists are taking to the streets in anger over what they allege is pro-Christian bias by the administration of President Lee Myung-bak.

Discontent among Buddhists has been brewing for months over Mr Lee and other public officials’ alleged favouritism toward Christianity.

Buddhists have criticised Mr Lee, a Presbyterian, for filling most of his Cabinet and top presidential posts with other Christians.

Police estimated a crowd of 38,000, including 4,000 monks, gathered at city hall today.

Organisers said they would march to South Korea’s main Buddhist temple several blocks away.