Document
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
It is my joy and privilege to bring you greetings from the World Council of Churches. The entire WCC fellowship and our ecumenical partners join me in extending you God`s blessings and good wishes as you convene here for your General Assembly.
For more than six decades, we have been honored to be your partner and constant ally in addressing the conflict and challenges in Korea. The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea has been a prophetic voice for democratization, human rights, and reunification in South Korea all through these years. You inspire us with your commitment, even amid the world’s grave challenges. Thank you for your witness and work in the Korean context as you proclaim Christ`s love and peace in difficult times.
We stand with you in solidarity and support as you continue the struggle for peace and the reunification of the Koreas. With recent changes in the Korean government and in the larger geopolitical context, momentum toward dialogue, cooperation, and improved relations has largely stalled. As the recent global prayer for peace in Korea reads, “It seems like only yesterday we were holding hands and crossing over this wall that has stood here so long, but now we are calling each other enemies rather than children of God. The communication that we shared with each other as we were filled with hope is now cut off, and only slander and fear come and go on the wind currents overhead.”
We lament this deterioration of relations and the stubbornness of the parties, we decry the military gamesmanship, we grieve for the separated families, and we regret the economic hardship inflicted on Koreans.
Yet as disciples of Jesus, Christians must resist this development and stand tall for peace. This is our sacred calling as we journey together as churches, as Christians—in Korea itself, among the Korean diaspora, and around the world. As people longing for peace, the churches must come together to cry for peace, justice, and reconciliation on the peninsula, tending these elements of gospel-informed social change. Certainly, these times bring a true test of ecumenical resolve and fortitude as, even today, true lasting peace remains elusive.
May we redouble our efforts to work with the churches – with you – to advocate for and advance prospects for real reconciliation and eventual reunification. We are grateful for your contributions to the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation. With you, we continue our ecumenical efforts today, both diplomatic and ecclesial, political and spiritual, regardless of whether they seem in season or out.
Our gratitude for your witness, your contributions to peace, human rights, and reconciliation on the peninsula, is profound. Our resolve, in the WCC and in the wider ecumenical fellowship, is to continue to strive with you for peace runs even deeper.
So let all who love the Lord say, “Enough of the old way! Enough of conflict and confrontation! We stand for an alternative way, Christ’s way, the way of peace and justice and reconciliation and an authentic Christian witness here in Korea.”
In these days of your Assembly, through worship and fellowship, discussion and deliberation, may you deepen your intimacy with God, your companioning with Jesus, and your life together in the Spirit. May you renew and revive your community of solidarity and witness for the sake of the world. And may God be with us all in our shared Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.
We wish you a Spirit-filled and blessed Assembly as you seek to deliberate, prayerfully discern and decide on significant matters related to your life, work and witness in Korea and beyond.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches
