140th Anniversary of Korean Christianity: Documentary, Cantata, and Symposium Presented... 'Back to the Gospel'

Korea Christian Federation to Hold
140th Anniversary Commemoration of Korean Christianity

The Korea Christian Federation, a incorporated association, announced on the 15th that the "140th Anniversary Commemoration of Korean Christianity," hosted by the federation and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will be held starting from the 20th.

This event was organized to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the arrival of missionaries Underwood of the American Presbyterian Church and Appenzeller of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Joseon on Easter, April 5, 1885. On the 20th at 8 PM, a special documentary titled "People, The Beginning of a Miracle" will air on KBS1 TV, reflecting on the 140-year history of Korean Christianity. The documentary will particularly focus on the social legacy of the gospel brought by the missionaries, which abolished discrimination based on class, gender, and poverty.

On the 23rd at 10 AM, the Yoido Full Gospel Church will hold the 140th Anniversary Commemorative Worship Service and a commemorative concert: the cantata "Chronicle of Light." The commemorative worship service will feature a commemorative address by Kim Jong-hyuk, the president of the Korea Christian Federation, and a sermon by Pastor Lee Young-hoon, honorary chairman. Speaker Woo Won-sik, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will deliver congratulatory messages.

The following concert will have Pastor So Kang-seok, the standing chairman, responsible for lyrics and script, composer Kim Dae-yoon composing the music, music director Ryu Hyung-gil conducting, and performances by the New World Orchestra and New World Choir.

On July 14, a scholarly symposium commemorating the 140th anniversary of Korean Christianity will be held at the International Conference Hall of the Seoul Press Center.

A representative of the Korea Christian Federation stated, "Through the 140th Anniversary Commemoration of Korean Christianity, the Korean church pledges to widely spread the united gospel value 'Back to the Gospel' and to go out into the world with passionate patriotism and broad love."