“Churches in France, Norway, Sweden and other European countries are still very much alive. As for the French churches, their membership is increasing, and there is growing interest in seminary.” During a recent visit to Korea, Dean Remi Gounelle (51, photo) of the Faculty of Protestant Theology at Strasbourg University gave this overview, adding, “Even in this era of secularization and abandonment of religion, the churches and theology have a big role to play.”
Dean Gounelle participated in Sunday worship at Somang Presbyterian Church, and visited Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary (PUTS) and other places. Meeting with Kukmin Daily at the PUTS campus in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, he said, “I was surprised at the great number of believers taking part in worship… I didn’t know much about Asia, but this time I’m seeing and hearing a lot.” He has established sister relations with PUTS in various areas including student exchanges, education programs, academic papers, and professor exchanges.
The Strasbourg Faculty of Protestant Theology is part of Strasbourg University, founded in 1538 by Protestant educator Johannes Sturm. At this place, France’s only national seminary, John Calvin spent three years as a professor of New Testament theology. Dr. Albert Schweizer was employed here as a New Testament professor up until his departure for Africa. Pastor Emeritus Lee Su-yeong of Saemoonan Church was the first Korean to receive a doctorate from the Faculty.
“The Strasbourg Faculty of Protestant Theology has the most students of any seminary among the French-speaking countries,” Dean Gounelle said. “Even now, seminarians are coming from all over the world.” Currently the Faculty has 250 students in undergraduate and master’s degree programs, and 60 students studying for doctoral degrees. There are two Korean students.
“The French churches are hoping for exchanges with the Korean churches,” Dean Gounelle said. “I hope this will develop through reciprocal meetings and dialogue.” He is a descendant of the Huguenots, the name given to French Protestants 500 years ago.
Reporter Sangmok Shin (smshin@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo courtesy of PUTS
Original Article in Korean:
“프랑스교회, 한국교회와 교류 원해”: 내한한 프랑스 스트라스부르 신학대 레미 구넬 학장
Strasbourg Protestant Theology Dean Gounelle: “Hope for French-Korean church exchanges”
2018-11-20 17:13
