Some memories from the first two days of the WCC

Today we're headed to Pohang to visit with our hosts, Pohang Central Presbyterian Church and to lead their worship services over the next few days. This morning is a good time to reflect back on what we've experienced so far. The opening worship and opening plenary will live long in my imagination. Both were filled with images and music of Korean culture and global Christianity. During the plenary operatic singers and dancers brought the history of Korean Christianity during the last 130 years to life. At the end of this presentation all the Korean pastors in attendance came to the stage as an ecumenical presence of the growth and vibrancy of Korean Christianity. 

On the second day the conference got down to business, beginning with a morning worship, followed by a Bible study focused on the image of the Tree of Life and dwelling deeply in Genesis 2:4-14. The picture attached to today's post is a very grainy photo of the Prime Minister of South Korea addressing the assembly. This was followed by a Theme Plenary of three speakers presenting issues that address justice and peace in their corner of the world. Later we saw the assembly at work in their business plenary dealing with issues such as religious freedom for religious minorities in various parts of the world. All decisions by the body operate under consensus rather than parliamentary procedure, a strategy proposed by the Orthodox Christians about 10 years ago. In the afternoon we divided up into Ecumenical Conversation Groups. Everyone in the CTS group is looking at a different facet. My particular group explored a global study of theological education that was very interesting. We then had dinner together at a Korean buffet restaurant--lots of choices and new tastes. We concluded our day with evening prayer led by our Orthodox companions. As you can tell it was a very full day. I hope to get others from our group to add their thoughts soon. Blessings to you all!