National Council of Churches in Korea delegation visits WCC

On 28 November, after receiving a guided tour of the Ecumenical Centre, the delegation received overviews of the WCC and its church relations, as well as its work related to peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula.

The visitors also toured Old Town Geneva. 

On 29 November, the delegation participated in a morning prayer for 16 Days of Against Gender-Based Violence, which is being observed 25 November through 10 December.

The visitors discussed the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, and met with WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. 

Pillay said the visit is a sign of visible Christian unity. “We gratefully acknowledge the strong ecumenical engagement and support from churches in Korea, which includes the important milestone of hosting the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan in 2013, with the theme 'God of life, lead us to justice and peace,’ ” said Pillay.

The delegation received a guided tour and introduction to the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. They concluded their visit with a hybrid dialogue about unity, mission, and ecumenical formation. 

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the WCC; Ms Marianne Ejdersten, director of Communication; and all the staff for warmly welcoming the delegation from the the Commission on Faith and Order of Korean Churches and the National Council of Churches in Korea, which work tirelessly for church unity and common witness of Korean churches and Christians,” said Rev. Jongseng Kim, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in Korea.

“We sincerely hope that diverse Christians around the world will continue to pave the way for life and peace, even in this age of global conflict and uncertainty, through prayer and action within the ecumenical movement. Furthermore, we look forward to continuing our collaboration and solidarity with you for reconciliation and peace on the Korean Peninsula,” said Kim.

Denominations represented by the Korean delegation included Anglican, Catholic, Evangelical, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, and Salvation Army. Their study visit also included a visit to the Vatican and a meeting with Pope Francis, as well as a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. 

Link to photo gallery 

The Light of Peace: Churches in Solidarity with the Korean Peninsula (2020)