The Reconciliation and Unification Department of the National Council of Churches has announced the opening of registration for the 2015 DMZ Walkathon for Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula. The overarching purpose is to bring Koreans that have immigrated or grown up as citizens in countries around the world back to Korea in order to connect them more intimately to the movement for peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. The theme will be “Christian Young Adults: Harvesting Peace from the Site of Division.” The driving biblical text comes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility….”
According to the final concept paper for the program, the ministry of reconciliation is a necessity for Korean Christians. “God’s Shalom is not possible without a true reconciliation with our sisters and brothers. God requests us to reconcile with them first before we come to God for worship. (Mt. 5:23-24). Reconciliation with people is a prerequisite to the reconciliation with God. True faith requires sincere commitment to the healing and reconciliation of the broken relationship among people. Reconciliation is a long process of true repentance, justice, forgiveness and healing. It also requires us to accept otherness and respect the values of others.”
The march will cover many sites around the Kangwondo Province including Seoraksan Mountain, a Reunification Observatry, and peacemaking communities. Activities will include worship, mountain walks, lectures, and workshops on peace and reconciliation. Participants will be encouraged to consider how God is calling us as Christians to engage the conflict in Korea, and how we can remain connected to the reconciliation movement in Korea after returning to our respective homes.
We are hoping for 50-60 international participants while around 20 Korean youth will serve as volunteer staff for the event. It will be held from July 20th - 25th, 2015. Members of the organization committee include the Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea (EYCK), Korean Reunification Committee of the United Methodist Church, Korean Church Association in Germany and Korean Christian Council in Japan. For more information, please submit inquiries to Rev. Kurt Esslinger at elfslinger[at]gmail.com.
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