Korea: Christian diversity and a longing for peace
Prayer service for North and South Korea at the WCC 9th
Assembly. © Paulino Menezes/WCC
Among the reasons Korea was selected to host the WCC assembly is the country's unique ecumenical “horizon”.
The invitation to meet in Korea was the joint effort of all the churches in the country, including WCC member churches, evangelical churches and Pentecostal churches.
The church has grown rapidly in Korea where nearly a quarter of the population is now Christian. The inter-religious context of Korea highlights the growing experience of living dialogue that other churches around the world face.
Korea remains a politically divided peninsula. The hope that the Korean people will one day be reunited is strong for many Koreans.
The churches in Korea, together with the ecumenical movement, have been encouraging reunification efforts for decades. The hope for reconciliation and the common witness for reunification will significantly mark the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches.
Read more about WCC member churches in the Republic of Korea
Visit the website of the National Host Committee (in Korean)
Related WCC news articles:
- Former Korean official says peace on Korea peninsula is “need of the hour” (05 June 2013)
- Korean church delegation visits WCC offices in Geneva (13 May 2013)
- WCC assembly, an opportunity for praying, listening and sharing (29 January 2013)
- Dare to believe peace is coming, Tveit tells Korean congregations (28 January 2013)
- Ecumenical steps towards the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula (22 May 2011)
- Korean churches: WCC 10th Assembly a gift from God (23 September 2009)
- Korea stands ready to welcome WCC (1 September 2009)
