Northwest Region and Pacific Northwest Conference Celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea

From May 13th to 17th the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC and the Northwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had the privilege of hosting six clergy and four lay persons from the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) for the celebration of 20 years of partnership. Their visit was coordinated by the Global Ministries Committee of the Region and Conference.

The days were filled with experiences of out-reach and ministries of care for people and the environment. This included presentations on human trafficking, conversations about advocacy related to the PROK and North Korea, as well as visits to the Gates Foundation and Habitat for Humanity projects. Guests were hosted for bed and breakfast by six Disciple/UCC families.

Since 1953, the PROK has maintained a prophetic witness in the Presbyterian Church of South Korea to its understanding of the church and its mission in society. seeking to go beyond the narrow, traditional concept of mission, the PROK is committed to participating in “Missio Dei”, God’s salvation work in society and history. A diverse denomination in its characteristics, the PROK upholds the spiritual importance of dialogue, engagement, diversity, and reconciliation. The PROK has been serving the least and the marginalized, the “Minjung”, such as the disabled, farmers, the elderly, orphans, undocumented migrant workers, homeless teenagers, sex workers, and, particularly since the implosion of the national economy, the unemployed and their families. The PROK has been a prophetic voice for democratization, human rights, and reunification, protesting against military dictatorship government. They will be among those welcoming the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, Republic of Korea, from October 30 to November 8, 2013.