THE KUKMIN DAILY

On the third day of its general assembly, the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK Tonghap) decided to change the entire membership of its trials department, which was responsible for the decision in the Myungsung Church hereditary succession trial. The assembly delegates requested the nominating committee to set up a new trials department consisting of persons devoid of connections with Myungsung Church. Elder Im Hyeon-cheol of Seoul Gangnam Presbytery said, “We and society in general feel uneasy about the trial results… The object is to present a respectable image of the church through a proper trial.” Rev. Kim Yeong-cheol of Seoul Gwanak Presbytery, formerly an associate pastor of Myungsung Church, raised his voice, saying, “It is outrageous to exclude anyone just because they came from Myungsung Church.” The general assembly was adjourned following the decision to change the trials department. The nominating committee was planning to announce the new members’ names on the 13th. Heated discussion of the Myungsung Church trial decision is expected to continue.

At the 103rd General Assembly of PCK Hapdong (moderator: Rev Lee Seung-hui), a proposal to “extend the retirement age of pastors and elders” was reintroduced, as it has been for several years in a row, but again was dismissed. Six presbyteries joined in a proposal to extend the maximum retirement age of pastors to 75, but the delegates’ consensus on the 12th was “dismissal.” In the 2010s, extension of the clergy retirement age has become an item of discussion for all denominations, due to Korea’s lengthened average life span and gradual transformation into an “aged society.”

The PCK Hapdong theology department reported its decision to study for another year and then report on two bills: one to “designate Roman Catholicism as heretical” and another to “prohibit exchanges with the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).” A delegate said, “Roman Catholicism is centered in the idea of serving the sun god and Mary, and WEA cooperates with Catholicism in seeking to prohibit evangelizing for religious conversion… We should not postpone action on this theological problem for political reasons, but make a decision.” Moderator Lee Seung-hui, on the other hand, suggested, “Since this is an important problem theologically, let’s appoint a number of professors to research it, and report the outcome at the 104th general assembly.” The delegates agreed to do this.

PCK Baekseok Daeshin (moderator: Rev. Lee Ju-hun) has decided on substantive action to strengthen its local seminaries. While maintaining four institutions: Daejeon Baekseok Theological Seminary, Busan Baekseok Theological Seminary, Honam Baekseok Theological Seminary and Kyung-in Baekseok Theological Seminary, it is retracting its confirmation of the seven remaining seminaries. The aim is to enhance clergy quality while building up the seminaries. Rev. Kim Jong-myeong was appointed secretary general of the denomination, to serve a three-year term.

PCK Kosin (moderator: Rev. Kim Seong-bok) decided to request the Netherlands Reformed Church (NRC) to reconsider its approval of women’s ordination. Since 1967 PCK Kosin is in a sister relationship with NRC. Last June, NRC made the decision to approve ordination of women in all areas including those of pastor, elder and deacon.

At its last general assembly, PCK Kosin requested the professors’ association at Korea Theological Seminary to study a “proposal for countermeasures in response to decisions on women’s ordination made by overseas denominations that are in exchange relationships with Kosin.” The professors’ association reported on the evening of the 11th that Netherlands Reformed Church does not recognize Biblical authority, and as the church deteriorates, NRC has approved women’s ordination.

*Photo: PCK Hapdong General Assembly at Banyaweol Church in Daegu on September 12.

Reporters Paek Sang-hyun, Choi Ki-young, DongWoo Kim & Inho Hwang, from Cheonan·Iksan·Daegu, with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo by intern reporter Zysu Song

Original Article in Korean:
예장통합, 명성교회 관련 재판국원 전원 교체: 교단 총회 주요 안건