Jang Jong-hyun Pastor Appointed as New President of Hankyochong

Jang Jong-hyun, the representative general assembly chairman of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Baekseok), has been appointed as the new representative chairman of the Korea Christian Federation (HanKyocheong), an ecumenical organization of Protestant churches, HanKyocheong announced on the 7th.

On the 7th, HanKyocheong appointed Pastor Jang as the representative chairman through the 7th general assembly held at the Gloria Hall of the Korea Church Centennial Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. His term is one year starting from the 7th. The co-representative chairmen appointed were Pastor Oh Jeong-ho, general assembly chairman of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Hapdong), Pastor Kim Ui-sik, general assembly chairman of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap), Bishop Lee Cheol, superintendent of the Korean Methodist Church, and Pastor Im Seok-ung, general assembly chairman of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church.

Newly Appointed General Assembly Chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, Pastor Jang Jong-hyun
[Photo by Korea Christian Federation]

In his inaugural speech, the new chairman Jang said, "For the Korean church to truly become one, we must first let go of ourselves, abandon the fixed notion and pride that only I am always right, and practice the justice of the Bible, which is the sole standard of our faith and life, in this land, finding all answers to problems in the Bible."

He also emphasized the church's social role. Chairman Jang stated, "The Korean church must become a hope for the future of the country and the nation," and added, "Above all, HanKyocheong must fervently pray first for the country and the nation, especially for the President and political leaders." He also conveyed, "We will work together with all member denominations to overcome low birth rates, care for children, and prepare for an aging society."

Furthermore, they decided to continue promoting projects such as earthquake damage recovery in Turkey, cultural heritage exploration inviting professionals, climate and environmental conservation projects, initiatives to overcome low birth rates, Our Village Empathy Concerts, Peace Concerts, and the Korea Parade. They also pledged to work on revising the Private School Act and reaffirmed their opposition to the enactment of the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act.