KNCC
- SEWOL FERRY ANNIVERSARY
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } Introduction: This week South Koreans will solemnly mark the first anniversary of the saddest, most tragic national event in decades, the sinking of the Sewol Ferry on April 16, 2014 off the south coast of Korea. At this time, 304 people drowned, 250 of them high school students from Danwon High School in Ansan, who were on a class trip. The tragedy shook Korean society to the core; this tragic loss of innocent people at the hands of corporate negligence on the part of the shipping industry with additional major responsibility resting with the Korean government for its lack of standards of safety and accountability and/or their enforcement. Over 3 months most of the bodies were recovered, although one last body was not found until Oct., 6 months later, leaving the final official death toll at 295, while a year later 9 people are still missing. On Nov. 11, 2014, the captain of the ferry was sentenced to 36 years in jail, and on April 1, 2015 the Korean government announced compensation plans for the families of those drowned. The families reject the compensation, though, and continue to call for a full, unbiased investigation into the tragedy, starting with the raising of the Sewol from the ocean. The slogan of ‘Truth Shall not Sink with the Sewol’, and hence a sound investigation is seen as the only way to achieve a safe society that values life. The National Council of Churches in Korea and its member churches have fully supported the bereaved families and the demands for government accountability in this matter, and especially as the anniversary approaches during the season of Lent, has prepared a number of events and resources to call for prayer. Background Information of the Sewol Tragedy On the day of sailing, the improperly secured cargo weighed 3,608 tons of cargo, more than three times the limit of 987 tons, and estimated at worth around 200 billion Korean won. The ship carried only 580 tons of ballast water, much less than the recommended 2,030 tons; this would make the vessel more prone to list and capsize. The crew had reportedly pumped out hundreds of tons of ballast water from the bottom of the ship in order to accommodate the additional cargo. Between 8:48 and 8:49 a.m. on the 16th an "unreasonably sudden turn" was made, causing the cargo to shift and the ferry to capsize. As Sewol began sinking, the ferry's intercom system started ordering the passengers to stay put, alleging that moving was dangerous, and the majority of passengers obeyed these orders. These announcements began broadcasting on 8:52 a.m. and continued even when water began flooding passenger compartments. The first emergency call from the ship was made by Choi Duk-ha, a Danwon high school student. On 8:52 a.m., he called the national emergency service number and reported that Sewol was capsizing Three minutes later, the Mokpo Coast Guard station ordered patrol vessel No. 123 to be dispatched to the scene; the vessel was launched on 8:58 a.m. Choi did not survive the capsizing; his body was later recovered. Patrol vessel No.123 arrived at the scene near 9:30 a.m. and found the Sewol tilted about 50 to 60 degrees. When the rescue vessel arrived, an announcement was made calling people to abandon ship and jump into the waters and rescue operations began at 9:38 a.m. Passengers who had reached the deck or jumped into the water were rescued, including the captain, the chief engineer, and the chief and second mates, (rescued around 9:46 a.m.), but it was said rescue members could not get inside the ship due to the tilt (although there was no attempt made by trained rescue workers, even to break the windows to get out the people inside the cabins). The last message from a passenger on the ship was sent at 10:17 a.m. EVENTS FOR HOLY WEEK FOR MEMORIALIZING THE VICTIMS OF SEWOL SEWOL SYMPOSIUM PRAYER RESOURCES FOR HOLY/PASSION WEEK PASSION WEEK PILGRIMAGE TO PAENGMOK HARBOUR WORSHIP OF EASTER DAY
- WORSHIP OF EASTER DAY
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } The Pilgrimage continued with the early Morning Easter inter-faith celebration at ChoongAng Lutheran Church on Seoul’s Namsan. The service leader was host pastor Rev. Choi Ju Hoon. Anglican Primate Kim Keun Sang asked the question, “Where is Galilee?, referring to the secondary theme of the pilgrimage, Matthew 28:10, which says,“don’t be afraid, tell my brothers to go to Galilee and there they will see me.” Galilee, he said, is not the place controlled by the Pax Romana or under the Jerusalem administration, but is the place of God’s peace, where the sorrowful are comforted and the truth is known. For Korea to find the way to Galilee, the government must be willing to hear the voices of the victims in suffering situations and respond to their needs. He challenged each one in attendance to reach out to the suffering and share their pain. In ministering to the suffering, we minister to Christ, to the risen Christ, and in doing so, we ourselves will know the power of the resurrection. On the afternoon of Easter Sunday a solidarity worship service was held at Gwangwamun Plaza in the centre of Seoul with the families of the victims of the Sewol Disaster. Pastor PARK Seung Ryeul of Hanori Church led the ceremony of the Lord's Supper. Fifty of the parents of drowned students had their heads shaved bold as a sign of rejection of the compensation the government had offered, as a sign of mourning and as a sign of their determination to do everything in the scope of their power to elucidate the death of their children. They had walked on a pilgrimage in white robes of mourning from the Memorial Altar in Ansan to Gwanghwamun for the afternoon service, carrying the images of their dead children. The service was followed by a candlelight vigil. So ended Holy Week in Korea, as Christians, and the whole society, prepared for the one-year anniversary of the Sewol sinking.
- PASSION WEEK PILGRIMAGE TO PAENGMOK HARBOUR
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } For a very meaningful experience of Holy Thursday and Friday, the NCCK, along with the local Councils in Busan, Gwangju, Daegu and Daejeon, and the Korea YMCA and YWCA organizations, organized a pilgrimage to the small community on Jindo Island where the families of Sewol Ferry drowning victims gathered, where day by day remains were brought to land by rescue operations and which has become one of the locations which is a focus of the issues of grief and anger and compassion that go with this tragedy. On the early afternoon of Holy Thursday, about 120 people set out from Seokyo Junction on Jindo Island, walking the 10 kilometres to the Harbour of Paengmok. It was a wet and windy afternoon as we walked, a worthy setting for the sombre and reflective mood of participants. The spring blossoms were out on the trees along the road, reminding us that many families were grieving for children who would not experience the spring again. Arriving at the harbour we gathered before the group memorial altar for the drowning victims, and in small groups entered the room lined with the photos of those lost to the sea, paying respects and our individual sorrow for those people whose lives were forfeited. Getting on the buses again, we returned because of the weather to Seokyo to meet for worship in the school auditorium. Rev. You Si Kyung was worship leader and Rev. Kim Chul Hwan, Korea Lutheran Church Bishop preached an emotional sermon entitled, “We Saw God’s Grace”. At the end of the sermon, Lee Kim Hee, the mother of a lost daughter, Cho Eun Hwa family, offered a testimony. She had the experience of speaking to her daughter that fateful morning of April 16, when her daughter phoned to tell her something was happening to the ship. Lee Kim Hee had told her daughter to do what her teachers told her to do. A half hour later, she told us, she tried to phone her daughter again, and was not able to connect with her. She wept as she talked of her daughter and the despair stemming from that day, and continued to talk about situations the families have faced since that time – the President refusing to take seriously the families’ demand to make sure a thorough investigation is carried out so that such grief will not come again, one segment of society calling the families rabble rousers who were out to destabilize the Korean society, and the broad segment of society who have been forgetting the tragedy, willing to let things go back to the way they were before. As she finished her story, in a very meaningful ceremony, the 10 family members who were guests of the service were brought forward to have their feet washed by the leaders of the NCCK as a sign of pastoral solidarity with their sorrows and commitment to walk with them on the road ahead. After the foot washing, the congregation participated in the service of the Lord’s Supper, and after the service, the majority of people went for dinner and to spend the night in tourist homes in Paengmok Harbour. On Friday morning, we gathered at the Harbour at 8:30, were served breakfast and then one group departed to boats to be taken to the position in the sea where the Sewol had sunk on April 16. Now the coordinates 126E34N is marked by a buoy. There the boats stopped, and although the waves were rough, they spent time in meditation and honour for those lost in this place. They threw flowers into the waves for the victims of the disaster, and in commemoration they shouted the names of the 9 still missing ones. The other group stayed at the Harbour, and joined with others, church members from Mokpo and other nearby churches, worshipped on the Paengmok breakwater. Worship leader was Rev. Kim Dong Jin of the Korean Salvation Army. We sang the familiar Good Friday hymns with a new emotion, like ‘O Sacred Head, sore wounded, with grief and pain bowed down’, and experienced the Passion of crucifixion, as one of the fathers of the victims spoke to us. He spoke of the despair of living in Korea, feeling so deeply betrayed by his government that refuses to raise the Sewol and carry out a full investigation into this terrible tragedy. He talked about his beautiful son, who had been such a joy to raise, and how he felt as a father at not even being able to say goodbye to him. He asked why these beautiful children were lost – and why is the government not even willing to ask why? The government has just insulted the families by offering them financial compensation for their losses, thinking that will cover their needs. The families have angrily rejected the government’s plan, and again have tried to address their concerns to the President, only to be blocked again on the street by hoards of police. In frustration and deep grief the parents have shaved their heads as a sign of their rejection.
- [보도] 2015 아시아주일 순서지
- 교회협은 아시아지역 에큐메니칼 기구인 아시아기독교협의회(CCA, Christian Conference of Asia)와 국제협력 관계를 맺고 있습니다. CCA는 1957년 창립이후 현재 21개국 100개 회원교회와 17개 교회협의회(NCC) 등이 참여하고 있습니다. CCA는 1974년 이후 매년 성령강림절 전 주일을 ‘아시아주일'(Asia Sunday)로 정하고 아시아 회원교회들이 한마음으로 아시아 국가와 교회를 위해 기도함으로써 정의와 평화를 위해 연대하고 있습니다. 올해, 5월 20~27일 “더불어 함께 사는 하나님의 세상” 이라는 주제로 인도네시아 자카르타에서 제14차 CCA 총회를 합니다. 총회를 앞두고 아시아의 교회들이 이 땅의 참 평화, 하나님의 나라의 실현을 위해 기도하고 행동할 때입니다. 아시아주일 예배 자료집을 배포합니다. 2015년 아시아주일은 5월 17일(성령강림절 전 주일)입니다. 예배 자료집을 활용하여 아시아교회를 위해 함께 기도할 수 있기를 바랍니다. 예배 시 드려진 헌금을 아래의 계좌로 송금해주시면 아시아교회를 위해 사용하도록 CCA에 전달합니다. 신한은행 100-012-602907 한국기독교연합사업유지재단 (사무국으로 연락주시기 바랍니다.) 문의_국제위원회 ☎ 070-7701-8442
- (공지) NCCK, 네팔 지진 피해 긴급 구호를 위한 모금
- “NCCK, 네팔 지진 피해 긴급 구호를 위한 모금” 한국기독교교회협의회(NCCK, 총무 김영주 목사)는 지난 25일 카트만두 동부에서 발생한 지진과 관련하여 4월 26일 네팔 교회협의회(NCC)의 총무이며 아시아기독교협의회(CCA)의 의장인 로카야 박사에게 연대서신을 보냈다. 이 연대서신에서 교회협은 “사랑하는 가족과 삶의 터전을 잃어버린 수천의 피해자 가족들에게 깊은 애도”를 표하고, “한국교회는 슬픔을 당한 네팔 국민들과 교회들을 위하여 기도로 함께 할 것”이라고 말했다. 또 교회협은 시편 46편 1-3절(“하느님은 우리의 힘, 우리의 피난처, 어려운 고비마다 항상 구해 주셨으니…야곱의 하느님이 우리의 피난처시다.”)을 인용하면서 우리 모두는 “시련의 시기에 하나님이 우리와 함께 하면서 우리를 위로하고 우리에게 힘주신다는 믿음을 잃지 말자”고 당부하였다.교회협은 마지막으로 “피해자들의 상처를 치유하고 지진으로 파괴된 공동체를 재건하는 일에 한국교회가 온 힘을 모아 도울 것”이라고 말하였다. 이를 위해 교회협은 네팔 지진 피해자 긴급 구호를 위한 모금 운동을 시작한다고 밝히면서 한국교회의 적극적인 동참을 당부하였다. 이 헌금은 네팔 NCC와 CCA를 통해 지진피해지역에 전달할 예정이다. 모금 구좌 번호 / 신한은행, 100-029-424330, 한국기독교연합사업유지재단 연대 서신의 전문은 아래와 같다. - 아 래 - To: Dr. K. B. RokayaGeneral Secretary, National Council of Churches of NepalPresident, Christian Conference of AsiaApril 26, 2015 Solidarity Letter to the National Council of Churches of Nepal Dear Dr. Rokaya,We are deeply concerned and saddened to learn about the devastation caused by the severe earthquake in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. On behalf of the National Council of Churches in Korea I express heartfelt condolence to the people of Nepal who lost their loved family members and homes. The member churches of the NCCK together with the whole Korean churches send our sincere assurances of prayers to sustain your people and churches in this difficult period.We all believe that God’s presence will be with you, comforting you and strengthening you in all the tragic moments. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, thoughitswatersroarandfoam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3). We will consolidate our efforts with all Korean churches to be of assistance in healing the trauma of the people as well as in rebuilding the communities devastated by the earthquake. Rev. Kim Young-juGeneral SecretaryNCC-Korea
- 2016년 최저임금에 대한 한국교회의 입장
- 한국기독교교회협의회(NCCK, 총무 김영주 목사)는 4월 23일 제2회 정기실행위원회를 개최하고 2016년 최저 임금에 대한 한국교회의 입장(요구안)을 채택하고, 서신(아래 참조)을 통해 박근혜 대통령과 이기권 고용노동부 장관에게 전달하기로 결의하였다. NCCK는 요구안에서 ‘2015년 현재 최저임금은 시급 5,580원으로 주 40시간 기준으로 월 1,116,220원입니다. 이는 2014년 통계청에서 발표한 도시근로자 1인 실태생계비인 1,506,179원에 턱없이 모자란 금액입니다. 더욱이 근로자 1인이 자신 뿐 아니라 한 가족의 생계까지 책임져야 하는 현실을 고려한다면 2016년 최저 임금은 시급 10,000원 (월 2,090,000원) 선까지 인상되어야 한다고 판단됩니다. 2016년 최저 임금을 10,000원으로 인상하는 것은 양극화의 간극을 좁히고 상생의 경제, 공의의 경제를 실현하는 첫 걸음이 될 것입니다.’고 입장을 밝혔다. 전문은 아래와 같다. - 아 래 - 수신: 박근혜 대통령 참조: 이기권 고용노동부 장관 제목: 2016년 최저임금에 대한 한국교회 입장 박근혜 대통령님께, 모든 국민들이 행복한 삶을 누릴 수 있도록 노심초사 하시는 대통령님의 수고에 깊은 감사를 표합니다. 본회는 우리사회 모든 구성원들이 함께 더불어 행복하게 살아 갈 수 있는 세상을 위하여 기도하고 행동해 왔습니다. 비약적인 경제발전과 물질적 풍요에도 불구하고 경제적 양극화 현상은 지구촌 곳곳에서 심각한 사회 문제가 되고 있습니다. 한국사회도 이 양극화현상에서 비켜나 있지 않습니다. 소수의 지나친 풍요와 다수의 극단적 빈곤은 우리가 지향하는 평등 사회, 민주 사회에 큰 걸림돌이 되고 있습니다. 이러한 양극화를 해소하기 위한 첫걸음으로 본회는 2016년 근로자 최저임금을 시급 10,000원 (월 2,090,000원)으로 인상할 것을 대통령님께 요청 드립니다. 최저임금제도의 목적은 “근로자의 생활안정과 노동력의 질적 향상을 꾀함으로써 국민경제의 건전한 발전에 이바지하는 것”입니다. 다시 말해 최저선의 물질적 생활을 보장하는 수준을 넘어 상생의 경제를 이룩하는 것이 최저임금제의 목적인 것입니다. 현재 한국사회의 최저임금은 시급 5,580원으로 주 40시간 기준 월 1,116,220원입니다. 이는 2014년 통계청에서 발표한 도시근로자 1인의 실태생계비인 1,506,179원에도 못 미치는 수준입니다. 더욱이 근로자 1인이 자신 뿐 아니라 한 가족의 생계까지 책임져야 하는 현실을 고려할 때 현재의 최저임금으로는 안정적인 생계 도모가 불가능하다고 판단됩니다. 최근 미국, 독일, 일본을 비롯한 많은 국가들이 최저임금을 합리적 수준으로 인상하고 있습니다. 이는 “소득불평등이 경제성장에 부정적인 영향을 미친다는 것”과 “낙수효과가 아니라 불평등 해소가 성장의 지름길”이라는 인식이 반영된 것입니다. 최저임금의 인상은 내수시장의 활성화를 가능케 하여 결과적으로 우리 사회 건강한 경제발전에 긍정적인 역할을 할 것이라고 확신합니다. 따라서 본회는 우리 사회의 불평등 심화, 경제 침체를 타개할 한 방법으로 최저임금 인상이 매우 시급한 과제라고 사료합니다. 최저 임금 10,000원 인상은 양극화의 간극을 좁혀 궁극적으로 우리 사회의 안전망을 튼튼히 세우는 일에 초석이 될 것임을 확신하며 2016년 시급 10,000원 인상안에 대통령님의 적극적인 협조를 요청 드립니다. 2015년 4월 23일 한국기독교교회협의회 실행위원 일동
- (경향신문) 세월호 유족·특위 “정부 시행령 폐기하라”
- 세월호 유족·특위 “정부 시행령 폐기하라” [경향신문]|2015-04-07|02면 |20판 |834자 세월호 참사 유가족들과 특별조사위원회(특위)가 정부가 입법예고한 세월호특별법 시행령안에 반대한다는 의견서를 6일 해양수산부에 제출했다. 세 월호 가족협의회와 세월호 참사 국민대책회의는 이날 오후 2시 세종시 해수부를 방문해 정부가 입법예고한 세월호특별법 시행령안에 대한 의견서와 시행령 폐기에 동의하는 2만7822명의 인적사항, 항의서한을 제출했다. 정부의 시행령안은 특위의 독립성 침해, 조직 규모 및 조사 범위 축소 등 문제로 논란이 되고 있다.가족협의회와 국민대책회의는 항의서한에서 “입법예고한 시행령을 즉시 완전 폐기하고 특위의 시행령을 상정하는 한편 세월호 선체 인양을 공식 선언하고 구체적인 추진 일정을 발표하라”고 촉구했다.정 부세종청사를 방문한 130여명의 세월호 유가족들은 오후 2시30분 유 장관과 면담할 계획이었지만 “청사 화장실을 쓰겠다”는 유족들을 경찰이 막아서면서 분위기가 악화됐다. 유족 일부가 출입문 담장을 넘자 경찰이 이들을 연행하는 과정에서 물리적 충돌이 발생했다. 여성 한 명이 실신해 119구급대에 의해 병원으로 이송되기도 했다.특위도 정부 시행령안의 문제점을 지적하는 내용의 의견서와 철회 요구 결의문, 위원회 시행령안을 이날 해수부에 제출했다. 이석태 특위 위원장은 한국기독교교회협의회 김영주 목사와 면담하면서 “세월호 참사는 한국사회 공동체 위기의 축소판”이라며 “문제가 무엇인지, 무엇을 배울 것인지에 대해 종교적 입장에서 도와달라”고 했다.경제정의실천시민연합도 이날 “가장 큰 문제는 세월호 참사의 책임을 져야 할 해양수산부 공무원이 특위 기획조정실장으로 들어와 업무 전반을 지휘·통제한다는 점”이라고 밝혔다. 저작권자 ⓒ 경향신문. 무단 전재-재배포 금지
- (보도) 2015년 교회협 전체 여성위원 간담회
- 교회협 전체 여성위원 간담회일시: 2015년 3월 19일(목) 오후 2시~5시장소: 기독교회관 2층 조에홀참석: 약 60여명 / 기자 약 15명교회협 여성위원회는 3월 19일 기독교회관에서 전체여성위원회 간담회를 열었다. 매 2년마다 구성되는 교회협의 프로그램위원회 신임위원들과의 만남의 장이다. 이 모임을 통해 여성위원회의 주요사업을 소개하고, 성인지 관점에서 다른 위원회의 주요사업들을 살펴본 후, 유기적으로 일할 수 있는 사업과 방안을 협의했다. 특별히 지난 63회 정기총회에서 ‘양성평등위원회’를 ‘여성위원회’로 위원회의 명칭을 변경하고 가진 첫 번째 간담회이기 때문에 또한 의미가 깊다.1. 여성위원회의 조직적 문제와 대안1) 이미 교회협 헌장에 총회, 실행위원회, 위원회 구성에 여성 30%, 청년 10%를 지키도록 명시되어 있음에도 불구하고 잘 지켜지지 않고 있는 실정이다. 여성위원회가 지속적으로 문제제기하고, 각 회원교회가 교회협의 헌장에 준해 추천하도록 해야 한다. (교단 구조 개혁의 과제임)2) 현재 교회협 안에 ‘여성’의 참여가 적은 것도 문제지만, ‘평신도’의 참여가 현저히 줄어든 것, 여성 목회자 중심으로 활동이 전개되는 것의 원인을 분석하고 해결하려는 노력이 필요하다.(개혁의 과제): 교단 내 여성의 역량 강화를 위한 프로그램이 필요3) 여성위원회가 추구하는 가치와 목적을 각 프로그램위원회에 지침사항처럼 알려주는 작업이 필요하다. 4) 교회나 현장에서 여성이 사업실행의 주최가 되는 경우가 많지만, 의사 결정구조에선 여전히 배제되고 있는 상황이므로 여성 지위의 개선 방안이 필요하다.5) 여성위원회가 각 프로그램위원회와의 긴밀한 연대를 위해 두 개 위원회에서 활동하도록 하는 방안이 필요하다. 6) 기독청년과 여성이 함께 만나는 장이 필요하다.(리더십의 확장)2. 여성위원회의 역할과 연대 가능성1) 2015년이 분단․광복 70년의 해이므로 여성이 할 수 있는 통일운동에 대한 고민이 필요하다. 일본군‘위안부’ 문제에 대해서 민족적, 복음적 시각을 가지고 여성의 문제를 재론하고, 재해석해야 한다. 2) 한국YWCA연합회에서 진행하는 ‘탈핵운동 화요거리 서명캠페인’에 기독여성들이 참여하는 것이 필요함(정대협의 수요시위 연대)3) 기독여성들이 보다 확대된 그룹 속에서 일할 수 있도록 정보 공유와 참여가 필요함(ex, 녹색서울시민위원회는 전체 위원 중 여성의 비율을 40% 이상으로 활동)4) 국제사회에서 hate speech 문제가 심각하므로 한국교회가 여성의 인권신장을 위해서 함께 노력할 수 있어야 함5) 교회 여성이 줄어드는 현실에 대한 실제적인 통계자료가 필요함6) 교회 안에 부모교육, 기독교교육의 부재로 인한 심각성이 높기 때문에 여성들의 관심이 필요함7) 우리나라 현안에 대해 여성들이 어떤 역할을 할 수 있을지 고민이 필요함: 핵문제, 강정문제, 다양한 현장에 있는 여성들을 위해 연대하는 방안이 필요함(ex: 현장과 여성단위들과의 연계 프로그램 혹은 방문 프로그램, 연대의 틀 제공)8) 여성위원회가 각 교단의 총무, 여성기관(단위)의 대표와 실무자들을 초청해 좌담회를 열어 문제를 발굴, 대안을 찾는 지속적인 만남의 장이 필요함9) WCC 총회 이후 NCCK를 이해할 수 있는 자리가 필요함10) 한․재일․일NCC 여성위원 간담회 등과 같은 국제회의를 여성위원회 혼자 진행하지 말고, 다양한 분야별 사업이 가능한 단위들은 국제공동회의를 통해 더 많은 여성들이 참여할 수 있는 방안을 모색하는 것이 필요하고, 공동 협업의 가능성을 여는 것이 필요함
- (한국일보) 한국 교회, 극도의 반공주의ㆍ물량주의 벗어나야
- 한국 교회, 극도의 반공주의ㆍ물량주의 벗어나야 [한국일보]|2015-04-12|1269자 김동춘 성공회대 교수 강연 “한국 기독교는 화해의 종교라기보다는 증오의 종교다.”김동춘 성공회대 사회과학부 교수가 한국 교회의 현실을 강하게 질타했다. 9일 서울 마포구 아현감리교회에서 한국기독교교회협의회가 ‘흔들리는 교회, 다시 광야로’를 주제 마련한 2015 에큐메니칼 정책협의회에서다. 이날 주제강연에 나선 김 교수는 “한국 개신교 선교가 100년이 넘도록 세계적으로 내세울 만한 우리 신학자가 없다”며 “한국 교회가 당면한 여러 가지 문제의 핵심은 바로 이것, 신학이 없다는 것”이라고 운을 뗐다.그는 “인구의 4분의 1이 개신교와 가톨릭 신자이며, 선교로 본다면 기적에 가까운 모습을 보인 나라에서 세계 보편적 문제를 해결하는 담론으로서의 신학 사상이 없다는 것은 대단한 연구 대상”이라고 꼬집었다. 이어 “처음 기독교는 조선말 압제를 받던 약자들에게 큰 해방이자 충격파였지만 3ㆍ1운동 정도에 정점에 올랐다가 일제 말기부터 변질되는 과정 보인다”며 “교회가 미국추종주의, 권력과의 유착, 극도의 반공주의 안에서 성장했다”고 덧붙였다.또 “6ㆍ25전쟁 이후 무주공산의 시민사회 공간을 차지한 교회는 스스로 특혜 속에 성장해왔다는 것을 인식하고 서구추종주의, 극도의 반공주의, 성장주의, 물량주의를 탈피해야 한다”며 ▦내면성의 추구 ▦사회적 영성의 회복 ▦세습집단으로서 욕망과의 결별 등을 주문했다. 이에 대해 이오갑 그리스도대 교수는 “무섭고 가슴 아픈 지적”이라며 큰 공감을 표했다. 이어 “조선에 들어온 선교사들이 주로 개인 영적이고 저 세상적 구원에 치우쳤던 까닭에 민권보다 애국운동을 선전하고 복종을 가르쳐왔던 것은 당연한 귀결”이라며 “이후에도 이어져온 이런 경향으로 교회가 가난하고 소외된 약자들을 대변하는 것은 언감생심 기대조차 할 수 없었다”고 덧붙였다.그는 “보수적 교회들 외에는 교회로 인정하지 않는 극단적인 배타주의가 한국교회를 지배하고 있고, 안과 밖을 나누고 밖에 대해서는 미움과 적대감을 고무하는 한편 안에서는 단합을 도모해왔다”며 “이는 역사적으로 주로 파시즘 사회가 보여왔던 특징과 행태”라고 꼬집었다. 또 “한국교회는 하나님을 믿는다고 하면서 사실은 자기를, 권력을, 돈을, 건물을, 사람 수를 믿고 있는 것은 아니냐”며 “신학의 빈곤에 눈을 떠서 신앙을 재점검하고 인류사회에 참된 자유, 사랑, 생명, 정의, 평화를 이뤄가기 위해 노력해야 한다”고 덧붙였다.김혜영기자 shine@hk.co.kr
- (공지) NCCK, “네팔지진 한국교회대책협의회” 만들어
- 네팔 지진피해에 공동 대응한다. 5월 10일 ‘고통받는 네팔인들과 함께하는 기도회’도 열어 한국기독교교회협의회(NCCK, 총무 김영주 목사)는 4월 29일 네팔지진 복구를 위한 한국교회의 기도와 정성을 모으기 위하여 9개 회원교단과 기독교사회봉사회, 인권센터 등의 책임자들과 함께 긴급 연석회의를 갖고 「네팔지진 한국교회대책협의회」(가칭, 이하 네팔 대책협)을 구성하기로 합의하였다. 공동대표는 교회협 회원 교단장이 맡기로 했으며 집행부는 관련 부서 실무 책임자들이 맡는다. 네팔 대책협은 우선 긴급 구호사업을 각 회원 교단과 봉사 단체를 중심으로 진행하는 한편, 네팔 교회협과 아시아기독교협의회(CCA)의 요청에 따라 1) 파괴된 성전과 학교 재건 지원사업 2) 지진으로 부모를 잃은 고아 지원사업 3) 물 부족 문제를 해결하고 낙후된 하수시스템의 개량 지원사업 4) 트라우마 치유 프로젝트 지원사업 등의 비교적 장기적 복구 지원사업에 주력한다는 계획이다. 네팔 대책협은 이를 위해 에큐메니칼 정신에 따라 네팔 교회협과 아시아교회협(CCA), 세계교회협의회의 ACT(Action by Church Together) 등과 긴밀히 협의할 예정이다. 아울러 고통속에 있는 네팔 국민들에게 한국교회의 깊은 연대를 표하기 위하여 5월 10일(주일) 오후 3시 30분 서울제일교회 (중구 오장동, 담임목사: 정진우)에서 “지진으로 고통받는 네팔인들과 함께 하는 기도회”를 개최한다. 기도회에는 주한 네팔대사(꺼먼 싱 라만)와 지진 피해자가족들의 보고와 증언의 시간을 가질 예정이다.
2015-12-07 04:04:55
- “Still the Tears are not ended; please remember”, the Mothers’ Stories
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } On Nov. 17, a gathering was held at Joae Hall of the Christian Building to remember the victims of the tragedy of the Sewol Ferry sinking, hosted jointly by the NCCK Women’s Committee and the Association of Christian Women Standing Together with the Victims of the Sewol. The meeting, which incorporated prayer and discussion, had as its stated purpose, “this terrible tragedy took place a year and a half ago, but the families’ need to cry and speak out has not come to an end. We make more time here for the mourning. Church women wait alongside the families for the healing of the pain of daily suffering the absence of their children and to see new hope for the world sprout up. We pray together for the world we dream about”. Four mothers of the high school students lost that day shared their stories. They all spoke about the fact they were very ordinary people who have been thrust by this circumstance into the public realm. They feel deeply the need for the government to make systemic changes in a corrupt system in which such a thing is allowed to happen and instantly destroy so many lives. One mother told about their continuing efforts to bring the issue forward and their deep frustration with the government which has not taken its responsibility to make a thorough investigation of this accident and enact sincere laws to prevent the reoccurance of such a disaster. Another described their campaign with the School Board to set aside a class room in Ansan School as a memorial for their children. Another told about the pain her second son is experiencing as he does not have an outlet for his grief. Daily he continues to go to the memorial near the school to burn incense for his brother and pray. These women exhibit courage, determination, and hope in dealing with tragedy. Please pray and work for them.
- North-South Korean Interreligious Meeting
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } The Unification Ministry of the government of South Korea, and the North Korean government have been open to a number of meetings of people of the North and South this month during the last couple of months. A number of events have taken place, and this openness shows great promise for the future security of Korea. The Korea Council of Religions for Peace were able to organize a gathering when representatives of the 7 major religious groups in the South held a meeting with their counterparts from the North at the North-South Korean Interreligious Meeting held at Geumgang Mountain on Nov. 9 and 10. 150 delegates made the trip to the Geumgangsan Resort, 15 representatives of NCCK representing Protestant and Orthodox Christians, as well as 15 representatives each of Catholics, Buddhists, Won Buddhists, Cheondoism, Confucianism and Korean Traditional Religions. After going through the border CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine), the participants arrived at the Resort, were checked in, and met their counterparts. The program at the Resort of the North-South Korean Interreligious Meeting got under way with opening greetings and addresses by the leaders of each delegation of the North and the South Korean representatives. This culminated with a welcoming dinner organised by the North. The second day was given to reunion meetings of each of the religious groups. The last such meeting was held in 2011, and since then the border has been closed to such relationship building. This was a very glad time and positive connections were made that will bear fruit in increased knowledge and understanding of each other within the faith communities.
- Joint Statement of the 9th Consultation of the NCCJ and NCCK
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } “Swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks” Joint Statement of the 9th Consultation of the NCCJ and NCCK On Oct. 15 to17 the NCCK and the National Christian Council in Japan held a bi-lateral consultation with the theme Peace in North East Asia: Challenges to the Churches in Japan and Korea. The consultation was reported in the November newsletter, and following is the official statement which resulted from the deliberations. Joint Statement of the 9th Consultation of the NCCJ and NCCK “Swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks” He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; (Micah 4:3) The National Christian Council in Japan (NCCJ) and the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) gathered together in Seoul on October 15-17, 2015 for their 9th bilateral Consultation to reaffirm the two churches' common vision, respond to emerging issues and invigorate the ongoing partnerships among the grass-root organizations of their constituencies. Under a theme "Peace in Northeast Asia: Roles of the Japanese and Korean Church", approximately 100 delegates participated in the consultation. In 2004 in Tokyo, at the 8th Consultation, two churches agreed on the following: “in order to align with the rightist inclination faith has been interpreted as a pathway for personal salvation and adhered to traditional doctrines, and eventually church growth has become the major concern for the faith... there is an increasing tendency to ignore the sufferings brought by the rule of power and settle for the present." With such reflection on the faith, the 8th Consultation confirmed the common goal of "searching the true face of the church and theology to faithfully respond to the spiritual thirst of people and work with people for the emancipation from oppression, resisting the currently rising fundamentalism and neo-conservatism. Eleven years since then, the year 2015 is the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II and Korea's independence and division. Although 70 years have passed, the geo-political situation in Northeast Asian is still explosive. Military tension between North and South Korea has escalated as the division system has solidified. Pain and suffering among the North Koreans have been aggravated by the decades-long sanctions against the North and the intensified pressure on the North from the international community. Furthermore the Korean peninsula could be a flashpoint at any time due to the recent amendment of the “Guidelines for Japan-US Defense Cooperation”, the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) deployment plan and the Anthrax delivery case in Korea. This will certainly threaten peace and security in the entire region beyond the Korean peninsula. Asian people suffered under Japanese colonial rule and the wound has not been healed. However, there has been no sign of a true repentance from the Abe administration on Japan’s past invasions, atrocities and colonialism. Recently the Abe administration is consolidating all its efforts to revise security-related bills and Article 9 in a total negation of constitutional democracy. Revising Article 9 will definitely bring about serious instability in the region. Hate speech and discrimination against minorities in Japanese society has reached extreme levels. Japan's colonial rule has left great pains for Asians and that pain remains unattended to this day. Despite that, Abe's administration has failed to repent for the past invasions and colonial rule but rather has been rejecting the democracy-based constitutionalism and forcing new security-related bills. Moreover, the US and China's military hegemony has left Korea and Japan victims of a proxy war and seriously threatens the peace and security in North East Asia. The key presentation of the 9th Consultation has reminded us of the significance of "struggle with memory": through 'remembering', we repent our past, re-member the present and create a new generation to carry out the hopes of the future. Furthermore, it has been shared that without civilian’s (people’s) solidarity, it would be impossible to build lasting peace in North East Asia which transcends the territorial space. It was also confirmed that religion in general and Christianity in particular is a main pillar for realizing such a peace mission. We express our deep concern over the current situation in which Abe administration forcibly passed the security-related bills including collective self-defense right and therefore Japan might be a country which can wage wars: Japan, beyond Asia, is threatening peace in the world. Hence these two churches affirm the common mission in which they work together to heal the past wounds and to engage themselves in theological dialogue to discern God’s voice. Following the key presentation, we listened to different presentations and participated in group discussions: peace; justice; women and youth. We affirmed our common mission with regard to peace-building in North East Asia as we repent of our unfaithfulness on the prophetic commitment. Thus we renew ourselves towards the following resolutions: First, we will work together in solidarity to uphold the spirit of Article 9 of the Japanese Peace constitution. Article 9 of the Peace constitution seeks peace, beyond Japan, in the entire world. For this purpose, Article 9 proclaims that Japan shall not maintain any military force. Thus the churches in Korea and Japan clearly oppose Abe’s policies that push the proposals for the collective self-defense and thus negate the spirit of Article 9. Furthermore, we ask for the immediate halt to the ongoing power struggle among the US, Japan, China and Russia which revolves around the Korean peninsula. Second, we reaffirm the spirit expressed in the Busan Declaration on Peace in the Korean Peninsula adopted in the WCC 10th Assembly that the division and its pains are tragedy caused by the struggles of foreign powers in search of colonial expansion and military hegemony. We deeply share the pains of the long division with the North and South Koreans and work to heal them. Furthermore, as we are concerned about how the political and military tension caused by Korea's separation is acting as an excuse for military hegemony in Northeast Asia, we will firmly unite to work for realization of a peace treaty, removal of sanctions against the North and the overall peace, reconciliation and reunification in the Korean peninsula. Third, we are deeply concerned that the controversy of the history text book based on distorted historical outlooks could bring about negative impacts to both Korea and Japan in the future. We will reflect on our past to correct the present, and in order to walk towards a peaceful future we will continue our 'struggle with memory' and work together for a just perception of our history. Fourth, we will consolidate all our efforts to overcome the polarization that is seriously threatening human dignity created in God’s image. It is a definite violence and crime to force the weak to sacrifice for the good of the limited few. Our two churches will pray and act to overcome the fallacies of Capitalism that treats humanity as a profit driving tool, and to realize a just economic system as we follow Jesus Christ who is searching for a lost sheep. Fifth, the recent xenophobia in Japan and constant exploitation of migrant workers in Korea has been a concern for the global society. This is one negative aspect of the exclusivism of two countries built upon the myth of a single-race nation, which is definitely a violence rooted in the exploitation of migrant workers. Following God’s creation order in which all human beings are equal, and upholding the spirit of the UN that declares discrimination as a crime, our two churches will move forward and form networks of cooperation in order to eradicate discrimination. Sixth, we cannot but be grave about the fact that both the Japanese and Korean government fail to remember the accident of the Fukushima nuclear power plant of Tokyo Electronics. The Japanese government is restarting Sendai nuclear power plant of Kyushu Electronics while the Korean government is increasing construction of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power cannot be a safe energy source for the future as it destroys the rules of creation. We ask for both governments to immediately close down the plants in a step by step manner and preserve God's creation through the development of renewable natural resources. Seventh, we are heavily concerned that four countries of the six party talks’ participants retain nuclear power. We demand them to eliminate the nuclear weapons and lead global denuclearization as we confront the ironic situation in which the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is the goal of the six party talks. Eighth, our two churches have been working together for the last 20 years regarding the Japanese military sexual slave issue. Prior to this Consultation a NCCJ representative participated in the 1200th Wednesday Demonstrations held in front of Seoul's Japanese Embassy and made a declaration for repentance and solidarity. We will continue to demand a sincere apology and compensation from the Japanese government in order to clear the history of violence against women amidst war and work towards true peace and reconciliation. Furthermore, based on the lessons of the painful history of both countries, we will work to protect the rights of women who are suffering from human trafficking and sexual violence in the North East Asian region. Ninth, youth in both countries are hope for us all. But we witness that they are pushed to the edge with the irregular employment and extreme competition of un-bridled capitalism. As we respect the wisdom and courage of youth we will continuously support their encounter and peace leadership programs. Tenth, in order to fulfill the above mentioned hope our two churches will strengthen mutual ecumenism and carry out the common mission task of the two churches through exchanges and solidarity, among communities of local congregations as well as among the young generation. With those renewed mission agendas we two churches will continue our journey towards a new era of solidarity cooperation. October 17, 2015 Participants, The 9th Korea/Japan Joint Consultation
- 2016 CAMPAIGN, FROM ARMISTICE TO PEACE TREATY
- td,th { word-break:break-word !important; word-break:keep-all !important; } For the year 2016, the National Council of Churches in Korea is going to carry out a campaign to break the impasse which binds the Korean Peninsula as we move from Armistice to Peace Treaty. We call on friends and partners to work with us. There will be four major parts to the campaign: first, monthly sharing of significant information on the present situation to overseas partner churches and organizations; second, a Peace Treaty workshop to take place in Korea in May (Travel Study Seminar); third, an online signature campaign for moving from Armistice to Treaty during the month of July (which is significant as July 27 is the date on which the Armistice was signed in 1953); and fourth, an NCCK (and hopefully KCF) tour of the U.S. to raise awareness and to ‘deliver the signatures’ to Washington at the end of the month.
