THE KUKMIN DAILY

The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) opened its 63rd term regular general assembly on November 24 at Gangnam Church on Ggachisan-no, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and elected Rev. Hwang Yong-dae (center, in photo), moderator of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) as the new NCCK moderator. Amidst continuing objections, the general assembly re-elected current general secretary Rev. Kim Young-ju (right, in photo) to a second term. But the delegates of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) Tonghap (Rev. Jeong Yeong-taek, moderator) exited the assembly hall just before the election, leaving a scar on the status of NCCK as an organ of ecumenical unity.

In the afternoon, heated debate broke out from the beginning between PCK Tonghap and other denominations as to the manner of electing the general secretary and the method of voting. As voices of criticism against PCK Tonghap grew louder, finally the majority of PCK Tonghap delegates left the assembly site. In the absence of PCK Tonghap, the election was held with 146 participants, who re-elected Rev. Kim by a vote of 116 in favor, 27 opposed, and 3 abstaining.

In the subsequent officers’ election, new moderator Rev. Hwang appointed the moderators of all NCCK member denominations to the post of vice-moderator. Rev. Hwang said, “The process of electing the general secretary itself was like we were in the wilderness. It has shaken NCCK…I believe the Lord will give us wisdom and ability to overcome this situation well.” He offered a prayer of thanks for inauguration of the new officers.

Among the items of business, a “proposal for constitutional amendment” was passed. Through the constitutional revision, NCCK has decided to change its “gender equality committee” to the “women’s committee,” and to strengthen women’s role in the churches. The women’s committee will deal with discrimination against women in the churches and will promote policies for gender equality. It was also decided to strengthen research on women clergy and service regulations.

The 63rd term general assembly also adopted a declaration. “We will follow the Spirit of God into the wilderness and reform ourselves,” NCCK stated in the document. “We will endeavor to participate in the Mission of God, work for justice in society, and go forth on a pilgrimage for justice and peace,” it pledged.

Reporter Jin Samyeol (samuel@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)

Photo by intern reporter Heo Ran


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