According to the general secretary’s report to the PCK Hapdong General Assembly (moderator: Rev. Jeon Gye-heon) on September 19 at Gibbeumui Church (Rev. Park Yun-seong), the number of PCK Hapdong members has increased by 2.3% (63,451 persons), the number of pastors by 1.1% (261 persons), and the number of churches by 1.4% (167 churches), as of the end of 2016.
These increases in members, churches, and pastors made PCK Hapdong the largest denomination on record in Korea. Last year, PCK Tonghap had the largest membership. The increase was brought about by more new members, re-registration of members who had skipped church for an extended period, and the acceptance by PCK Hapdong of non-denominational churches.
PCK Tonghap (moderator: Rev. Choi Gi-hak) has decided to join and actively engage in the Korea Christian Coalition (KCC), a newly launched ecumenical organization, following PCK Daeshin, which decided on September 14th to join KCC. The participation of PCK Tonghap, one of the two largest denominations, is expected to strengthen KCC activities.
PCK also resolved to have its affiliated theological education organizations carry out anti-homosexual actions. The delegates attending the general assembly adopted a resolution that read, “The PCK Tonghap General Assembly does not accept into the seven PCK Tonghap theological seminaries homosexual persons who violate the Bible or those who advocate homosexuality. Teaching staff who advocate or teach homosexuality will be brought to the General Assembly disciplinary committee and punished.” In addition, the Tonghap assembly expressed agreement with “opposition against same-sex marriage and abolition of Military Penal Code Article 92 Code 6,” and resolved to announce a statement on this issue, and to carry out an opposition signature drive.
Reporters Lee Saya (Isaiah@kmib.co.kr) from Iksan & Choi Ki-young, with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Top photo by intern reporter Shin Hyeon Ga
Full Story in Korean:
예장합동, 교인 수 2.3% 증가… 국내 최대 교단으로: 예장합동·통합 총회 이틀째
