THE KUKMIN DAILY

Delegates of the World Methodist Council (WMC; Rev. Park Jong-chun, president), meeting for four days from July 13 at Kwanglim Church (Rev. Kim Chungsuk) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, joined with one spirit in calling the churches to act for peace on the Korean peninsula and for the end of conflicts around the world.

These contents were included in the “Seoul Theological Declaration” announced at the delegates’ meeting. On July 13, as they read the declaration aloud, President Park Jong-chun and Vice President Gillian Kingston appealed, “Let us pray for all Methodists to join minds and hearts in prayer for worldwide peace, reconciliation, and cessation of conflict, and especially for permanent peace on the Korean peninsula.”

The delegates clarified their position that denuclearization is a precondition for peace. “It is not by way of nuclear weapons, but through the Words of truth and power proclaimed by God, that we must embrace life and make peace,” they said. “We reject the military consumerism that is promoting the arms race under the cover of the ‘nuclear umbrella.’”

Presenting a “cross of peace” as a gift to the WMC on the morning of the 13th, Rev. Kim Chungsuk requested, “Be our companions in peace.” Kwanglim Church said the metal used to make the peace cross came from a Gyeongeui Line railroad tie and an East Front Line fence.

WMC is an association representing 45 million Methodists in 132 countries of the world. More than 400 delegates from 100 countries took part in this year’s Council meeting.

Reporter Jang Chang-Il (jangci@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo by intern reporter Zysu Song


Original Article in Korean:
“한반도 영구적인 평화 위해 기도하자”: 세계감리교협의회 서울서 대의원회의… 세계 분쟁 종식 촉구 ‘서울 신학 선언’

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