THE KUKMIN DAILY

The “Law Prohibiting Hereditary Succession” of Presbyterian Church of Korea - Tonghap (Moderator: Rev. Lee Seong-hui) stands at a crossroads with its existence under question.

The Constitution Committee of the PCK-Tonghap General Assembly recently examined the “Petition for Judgment of Article 28, Clause 6, etc., of the Constitutional Polity as Anti-Constitutional and Void,” submitted by Rev. Lee Jeong-hwan (Palho Church) of Seoul North Presbytery. The Committee’s conclusion was that the Law Prohibiting Hereditary Succession violates church members’ basic rights, and that the denomination may not infringe on a church’s freedom; and it has proposed that the Constitution be revised. These contents are included in a report to be presented to the PCK-Tonghap 102nd regular General Assembly, opening on September 18.

When a church belonging to the PCK-Tonghap denomination calls a pastor, the decision is made through a process of meetings by the session, the church officers and the congregation. Though the decision is recognized and confirmed by the related presbytery, it is the congregation that holds absolute authority in the calling of a pastor. Those who oppose the Law Prohibiting Hereditary Succession hold to the position that “The church members are the ones who best understand the church’s situation, so when they call a pastor following a process of legal meetings and deliberations, that process must be respected.” In other words, it is irrational to block the calling of a pastor, even one whom the congregation has determined is outstanding in spirituality, leadership and personality, for the reason that he or she is the direct descendant or spouse of the head pastor.

Those who favor the existing law point to the concern that some pastors of medium and large-sized churches may bequeath not just their position but also the power and wealth they have enjoyed. The unabated negative public opinion with regard to the merger problem of Myungsung Church and New Song Myungsung Church also stems from this concern.

The Law Prohibiting Hereditary Succession was first passed in 2013, by the 98th regular General Assembly of PCK-Tonghap (top photo). At the time, 870 of the total 1,033 delegates voted in support of the law banning hereditary succession. It was a landslide decision, demonstrating the legitimacy of the theological, Biblical and ethical criticisms related to the hereditary succession issue.

Reporter Lee Saya (Isaiah@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)


Original Article in Korean:
[어떻게 생각하십니까] 예장통합 ‘교회세습 금지법’ 4년 만에 존폐 기로에: “목사 청빙은 성도들 권리… 교회의 자유 침해” 헌법위원회 위헌 판단… 삭제하거나 수정 제안


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