Floral Tribute at Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Commemorative Service Held at Yoido Full Gospel Church
Original Cantata "Chronicles of Light" Premiered
Vision Statement Proclaimed
"We place our hope only in God who heals, dedicate ourselves to building a just nation, take the lead in creating a society that distances itself from shamanism and false prophets, and will fulfill our missionary mandate to the ends of the earth."
On the 23rd, the cantata "Chronicles of Light" was performed at the 140th Anniversary Celebration of Korean Christianity held at Yoido Full Gospel Church. National Council of Churches in Korea
On April 23, at the 140th Anniversary Celebration of Korean Christianity held at Yoido Full Gospel Church, the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) proclaimed a vision statement containing these commitments. The NCCK emphasized, "The Korean church has overcome superstition and old customs, repelled the legacy of imperialism, and laid the foundation for a free Republic of Korea based on democratic republicanism." The council further stressed that "there remains a mission to renew this troubled nation and world through the gospel once again."
This anniversary event was organized as a time to reflect on the history of the gospel's arrival on the Korean Peninsula?brought by Underwood, a missionary of the Northern Presbyterian Church of the United States, and Appenzeller, a missionary of the Northern Methodist Episcopal Church, on Easter, April 5, 1885?and to reaffirm the mission of the Korean church 'through the gospel once again.' The event was hosted by the National Council of Churches in Korea and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The day began at 9 a.m. with a visit to the Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery. The cemetery is the resting place of 145 foreign missionaries and their families who set foot in Joseon, and is regarded in Christianity as a symbol of Korean missions. Chairman Kim Jonghyuk and other executive members laid flowers at the missionary graves and pledged to remember and carry on the missionaries' dedication.
On the 23rd, the executive members of the Korea Christian Federation visited Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery to pay their respects by laying flowers. Korea Christian Federation
At 10:30 a.m., the 140th Anniversary Commemorative Service of Korean Christianity was held at Yoido Full Gospel Church. The service was led by Executive Chairman So Gangseok, with a sermon by Pastor Lee Younghoon and a performance by the Bethesda Choir of Yoido Full Gospel Church. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Inchon. Congratulatory messages were also sent by Pastor Wu Wei, President of the China Christian Council, and Mizuguchi Isao, Chairman of the Japan Evangelical Association.
In his commemorative address, Chairman Kim Jonghyuk stated, "Just as missionaries proclaimed the gospel, overcame pre-modern customs, and helped establish the Republic of Korea as a democratic republic, we must return to the essence of the gospel, renew the form of our lives, renew the church, and renew the nation."
Executive Chairman So Gangseok, in his address, said, "Let the 140th anniversary of Korean Christianity mark the first year of unity and revival for the Korean church, so that the light of the gospel, the light of love, and the light of hope may shine once again."
National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, in his congratulatory message, stated, "Just as the prayers and service of the Korean church have become light and salt to our society, I hope you will continue to stand with those who suffer and serve as a beacon leading the way of peace and life."
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo Inchon also remarked, "As the Korean church marks its 140th anniversary, it is time not only to remember its past glory, but also to deeply reflect on the mission demanded by the present era. I hope the church will play a vital role in caring for the socially disadvantaged and marginalized, realizing justice, and helping to unite and heal our society."
Especially noteworthy at the commemorative service was the performance of the original cantata "Chronicles of Light." The script and lyrics were written by So Gangseok, with music composed by Kim Daeyoon. The New World Symphony Orchestra, New World Choir, soprano Lim Kyunga, and tenor Lee Dawit were among the performers. The cantata musically depicted 140 years of faith, covering Underwood and Appenzeller's arrival, the Pyongyang Great Revival, faith-based resistance during the Japanese occupation, liberation and the Korean War, and the modern church's vision of reflection and unity.
The second part of the celebration was held at noon at the Yeouido CCMM Building. The event concluded with a viewing of the documentary "Miracle, Toward People," which aired on KBS 1TV on April 20, and a luncheon. Commemorative projects will continue, including an academic symposium to be held at the Press Center International Conference Hall in Jongno, Seoul, on July 14.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
