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Minutes of the 2014 EFK Steering group meeting in Bossey, Geneva
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MINUTES of
Ecumenical Forum on Korea (EFK) Steering Group Meeting
Ecumenical Institute, Bossey, Switzerland
16 June, 2014

Participants :
  1) Members of the Steering Group
1. KCF, DPRK (Chair Rev. Kang Myong Chul & Vice-Chair Rev. Ri Jong Ro)
2. NCCK, South Korea (Rev. Kim Young Ju & Rev. Heawon Chae/EFK Coordinator))
3. CCA (Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang)
4. Methodist Church, U.K (Rev. Steve Pearce)
5. Bread for the World/EKD Germany (Ms. Bettina von Reden)
6. UCC Canada (Ms. Patti Talbot)
7. WCC (Dr. Mathews George/Moderator)
  2) Invitees/Observers to the Bossey meeting
8. Dr. Isabel Phiri, WCC
9. Mr. Peter Prove, Dr Dong-song Kim, WCC
10. Mr. Lutz Drescher, EMS, Germany 1886-1995 mission co-worked in Korea
11. Bishop Hee Soo Jung / UMC-GBGM, President of UMCOR, (elected 2004 Bp of Chicago, 2012 Wisconsin), Pres of National Korean ministry
12. Ms. Christine Elliot, Director of Church in the World – Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
13. Mr. Sandy Sneddon, Church of Scotland  
14. Rev. Choon Shik Lim, PCUSA (Regional Liaison for East Asia)
  3) Regrets: Claudia Ostarek [EKD], Shoko Aminaka [NCCJ].

1. Opening prayer
Rev Chae Heawon led in opening prayer, and Rev. Steve Pearce led reflection on the bible.

2. Greetings and Welcome from WCC
WCC Associate General Secretary, Isabel Apawo Phiri offered greetings on behalf of the WCC General Secretary Dr Olav Fykse Tviet, and a warm welcome to the Ecumenical Institute.

3. Greetings from KCF and NCCK:

The Rev. Kang Myong Chul, Chairperson offered greetings on behalf of the KCF
Rev Kang expressed Appreciation to WCC for convening the meeting and to EFK colleagues for gathering.  He stressed the importance of this meeting in the ongoing efforts for peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula, and indicated that this gathering embodies the prayers of many people.  He prayed that God would bless this encounter and each one gathered here.

The Rev Kim Young Ju offered greetings on behalf of the NCCK.
Rev Kim expressed appreciation to the WCC for organizing this gathering, and the wider consultation that will begin tomorrow.  He lifted up the action of the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan in making a strong statement pressing for Korean peace and reunification. In line with this statement, it is timely and appropriate Rev Kim stated, that we are reflecting on role of the ecumenical movement to achieve peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula.  Since this is the first meeting on this important task after the 10th Assembly, he expressed his high hopes and great expectations for these discussions.

Rev Kim expressed gratitude that each participant has joined this meeting, and for the willingness to think deeply with each other and commit to work with each other.

4. Introductory Remarks By Working Group Moderator Mathews George
Dr  George made some introductory remarks about the Forum, giving some history and background particularly for those who had not participated previously  in the EFK.   He noted that the EKF was the initiative of Korean churches, and particularly the PROK in 2006. As a result of initial meetings, the idea of an ecumenical consortium surfaced, that would focus on accompaniment of north and south Korea churches, peace, reconciliation and reunification in the Korean peninsula.  

In 2006 this concept was discussed again at a meeting in Hong Kong, and Terms of Reference drafted. In 2007 the NCCK took on a coordinating role. In February 2008 German churches organized an international consultation on Korea reunification at Arnolshein, Frankfurt,  and in the consortium meeting at the same place the concept of a consortium was replaced by that of a `Forum` that gathered together Christian leaders from north and south Korea, along with global partners, and Dr. Mathews George was asked to moderate the EFK.  In 2009 the WCC CCIA and CCA organized a major consultation to mark 25th anniversary of Tozanso process. In the Forum Steering group meeting after the CCIA Consultation at the same place,  Mathews was asked again to moderate the EFK Steering Group.

Since the 2009 there has not been a major ecumenical gathering of the full Forum ecumenical, although several meetings of Steering Group have been held in China(in Nanjing 2008, in Hongkong 2009). Coordination of activities of the EFK has been carried out by Rev Chae Heawon as EFK Coordinator, based in the NCCK.

Dr. Mathews George named a number of transitions (changes of Chair of KCF, Steering group members, and history of WCC¡¯s participation in the peace issue of Korea) and thus the need at this meeting of the EFK Steering Group to tend to some structural, organizational issues.

5. Self-introductions
Each participant gave a brief self-introduction.

6.  Report of 2013 June EFK Hong Kong meeting and matters arising
[See attached report, distributed prior to and at the meeting].

In the extended discussion arising from the report of the 2013 Hong Kong meeting, there was consideration of the nature of the EFK.  It was noted that this gathering and the internatonal consultation this week are about increasing the global momentum to engage with the people of Korea for peace and reconciliation.

Lutz Drescher on behalf of EKD/EMS explained that the purpose of the EFK is to combine and work together on two concerns:
1.        A Justice-seeking agenda related to peace, unification, reconciliation in the Korean peninsula
AND
2.        Ecumenical cooperation on development.

It was noted that ACT Alliance is an instrument of the global ecumenical family for humanitarian response and long-term development accompaniment.  There was some conversation, raised by Bettina Von Reden of BFW, of why ACT Alliance is not currently engaged in the DPRK. She asked if at some point this Steering Group might consider acting as an ACT Forum for DPRK?

Rev Kim Young Ju indicated that there had been discussion previously the idea of collaborating to establish an Amity Foundation – like body in the DPRK.  This information was received with interest.

Christine Elliott of CTBI indicated that development cooperation is a one way in which we respond as People of God to the cries of others:  integrating our commitment to mission relationships with the sharing of resources.

Rev Ri Jong Ro of the KCF reiterated that with regard to development cooperation, it is appropriate and possible for food aid to go through KCF.  With regard to long-term development projects, although the KCF has no capacity to implement technical projects, it can be the channel through which partners like BftW can consult with other agencies and bodies in the DPRK. The KCF does not want the EFK to be seen as a consortium for development.

Rev. Lim Choon Shik pointed out we need to consider change of generation, and asked KCF for any preparation for this.

Rev. Ri Jong Ro stressed that the primary purpose of the Forum is to seek peace and reunification.  He noted that 30 years after the Tozanso process began, many people in church and society do not understand the issues of the Korean peninsula.  He reiterated the importance that the EFK seek to maintain the spirit of Tozanso process – for many in the current generation do not understand it.


7. Sharing of information/ updates on activities in relation to DPRK (June 2013- May 2014)

¡Ü WCC
1) On June 2013, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, Vice Moderator of Central Committee and Rev. Dr. Mathews George visited Pyungyang in order to consult with the KCF regarding their participation in the WCC 10th Assembly. As it was not possible for the KCF, both WCC and KCF agreed that the WCC would invite both churches in North and South Korea to Geneva in the Spring 2014, as well as hold international consultation in Geneva on peace in the Korean peninsula, inviting ecumenical church leaders. During Pyungyang visit, we discussed the prepared WCC statement with the KCF. WCC also sent it to the NCCK.

2) On the 10th Assembly in Busan, the WCC adopted Statement on Peace and Reunification of the Korean peninsula on November 2014 (p. 21-23).

3) On April 2014, , Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, and Mr. Peter Prove visited the NCCK and discussed the follow-up program of the WCC 10th Assembly on the basis of WCC Statement on Korea with the Reconciliation and Reunification Committee of the NCCK.

¡Ü Korean Christian Federation:
The KCF has new leadership, that is, Rev. Kang Myong Chol who is the son of the past Rev. Kang Young Sup is appointed as the Chairperson of the Korean Christian Federation and Rev. Ri Jong Ro as the Vice-Chairperson.
It expressed that ¡°Taking this opportunity, we affirm that KCF will strive for peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula in further close cooperation and partnership with the WCC.¡±
Regarding Chilgol Church renovation, he expressed thanks to partner churches supported and explained of a need for further funds to complete.

¡Ü Churches in Germany

1) EKD (Protestant Churches in Germany) took part in Korea Peace Train project with the important responsibility. Especially for seminar and candlelight worship service in Berlin Brandenburg gate, EKD fully supported in the solidarity with the Berliner Missionswerk and other churches and organizations. EKD sent one intern, Mr. Daniel Jung to the NCCK for one year for supporting and working for the Peace Train project.
Rev. Paul Oppenheim retired and has left, and Ms. Claudia Ostarek has been new member of the EFK Steering Group.
        
2) EMS (Ecumenical Mission in Solidarity):
The EMS Mission Council in June 2013 has decided in support of the Peace Treaty Campaign, and calls for intercession and petition for peace treaty on the Korean Peninsula
¡° Mission Council supports all initiatives calling for a replacement of the present armistice agreement by a just and lasting peace treaty between North and South ensuring reconciliation and reunification of the Korean peninsula. Mission Council recommends to all the members churches to participate actively in the signature campaign for a peace treaty which has been launched by NCCK.¡±
EMS regularly  has translated the common prayers for August 15th and for Easter into German and has asked the German Churches to keep the people on the Korean Peninsula in it¡®s prayers.  EMS has taken note of the WCC Declaration on Peace on the Korean peninsula and within the network of the German churches we are seeking ways how to implement its recommendations and calls for action.
3)Bread for the World – Protestant Development Service (former EED):
The new merged Protestant Development Service continued its financial support to projects in DPRK in the fields of agriculture, education and renewable energies, striving to contribute to a sustainable future. A partner visit took place in October 2013. In July 2013 congratulations were sent to the new leadership of KCF, Rev. Kang Myong Chol and Rev. Ri Jong Ro.
-        BftW (EED):  Bettina explained that BftW is a development agency that does not focus on mission or theological issues, but is a body of the Protestant Churches in Germany. BftW
o        Continues to support, through consultation with and approval from the KCF which is working in several fields, including renewable energy (wind and water hybrid energy) through PINTECH in DPRK, agriculture and capacity building,
o        Works in the name of the Korea Education Fund with German Agro Action and the DPRK Ministry of Education, to work collaboratively on projects with an agricultural college;
o        Works with The American Friends Service Ctte, which in turns works collaboratively with several bodies in the DPRK related to sustainable agriculture projects;
o        Works with KFPD (Korean Federation for People with Disabilities) related to a project for deaf/blind children.
o        EED; humanitarian branch ; works with Caritas (not directly in DPRK)
o        Is very interested in possibility of KCF exploring the idea of an Amity Foundation in DPRK.
o        Faces a lot of challenges with DPRK development cooperation because of increased economic sanctions on North Korea, especially since March 2014.  This is even though sanctions state that humanitarian aid and work with civil society are exempt.  However, increased pressure on international banks against supporting the DPRK state in any way has scared off the banks from engagement in the country.  This makes development cooperation extremely difficult.
o        Would like the EFK and the WCC to write to the UN about this consequence of sanctions and press that they be ended.  
        
¡Ü Churches in Britain and Ireland

1)Methodist Church in Britain: The annual Conference sent formal greetings to the new leadership of KCF, Rev. Kang Myong Chol and Rev. Ri Jong Ro. The Methodist Church invited all its members to pray for Korea on a Sunday near August 15th and posted the peace and reunification common prayer on its website. The church continues to pray for Korea on the 22nd day of each month and is committed to ongoing advocacy for reconciliation. Concern for those in poverty continues to find expression in support for food shipments organised by NCCK. Rev. Steve Pearce mentioned the importance of ¡°people to people contact¡± and ecumenical visit to North Korea.

2) CTBI (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland): Rev. Christine Elliot, General Secretary, also expressed its full participation and support to peace issue of the Korean peninsula as well as the EFK.
Church of Scotland :
        
3) The Church of Scotland: Its General Assembly in May 2013 has instructed the World Mission Council to ¡°Support the Korean churches in their efforts for healing, reconciliation and peaceful reunification; and instruct the Council to work with CTBI and other partners in seeking to offer support for the healing of the historical wound of the Korean people caused by the national division under the Cold War System.¡±

¡Ü Churches in North America
1) United Church of Canada: Ms. Bern Jagunos retired and Ms. Patti Talbot has been new member of the EFK Steering Group.
UCC sent the EFK its financial support of CDN10,000 for the Year of 2013.
Patti Talbot underlined that Canadian churches remain open to and welcome the possibility of a hosting a Korea peace consultation Canada, following-up the proposal fall 2012 gathering that was cancelled.

2)United Methodist Church in the USA: UMC GBGM(General Board of Global Mission) sent one intern, Mr. Nazar to the NCCK for one year for supporting and working for the Peace Train project.
UMC position on Korea peace issue (see `Call for Partnership on Ending the Korean War and Waging Peace 2014  distributed at meeting` and uproaded in the EFK Webpage http://ecuforumkorea.org)

Bishop Jung called particular attention to upcoming plans: the July 2014 Korea Peace March and Vigil in Washington, DC, a Spring 2015 planned visit of Bishops to the DPRK, and Spring 2016 plan on taking new resolution on peace and reunification to the General Conference of the UMC

3)PCUSA (Rev Lim Choon Shik)
Rev Lim has visited DPRK 4 times since 2012, recently March 15 2014.  In 2014 through the KCF visited Chilgol Church and saw its beautiful renovation, as well as Bongsoo Church and bread factory.  
He drew attention to the PCUSA April 2013 Joint statement with PCK advocating for short term and long-term measures for peace and reconciliation to the governments of US, PRChina, Russia, Japan, ROK, DPRK. (uproaded in our webpage http://ecuforumkorea.org)

¡Ü CCA
Rev. Henriette Hutabarrat Lebang stressed on the importance of solidarity with CCA member churches in being with the KCF.

¡Ü NCCK  
1) The NCCK paid a visit to USA on 11-14 July 2013 for campaigning peace of Korea and peace train project in the time of approaching 60th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement.

Rev. Kim Young-Ju, General Secretary of NCCK, Rev. Cho Hun-Jung, Chairperson of the Reconciliation and Unification Committee, Dr. Noh Jung-Sun, Vice-Chairperson visited to the USA State Department, North Korea's representatives to the UN, and many other church leaders.
Rev. James Wincler, General Secretary of UMC General Board of Church and Society, and Rev. Mark Harrison, Advocacy and UN office, made arrangement for this visit and accompanied.
The NCCK delivered its official position that the USA who is responsible for the division of Korea in 1953 has to acknowledge its involvement, to confess its responsibility and to make effort to change the present Armistice Agreement to Peace Treaty in the meeting with Robert King, the US human rights envoy to North Korea.
NCCK also explained about Peace Train project and urged to change USA hostile policy toward North Korea, to abolish USA's economic sanctions, as well as pointed out that the present share of defense spending which was imposed to Korea (around 65%) is too much high, compared with the case of Japan and has to be down to 50%.
It is reported that Robert King on behalf of the State Department expressed the USA's responsibility in a certain point in the division of Korea, and the necessity of humanitarian assistance to North Korea as well as support for economic development.

The NCCK group also met with North Korea representative to the UN and asked to consult the possibility of Peace Train to enter into Pyungyang as well as to cross the border between South and North Korea, and they agreed to deliver it to the North Korea government authority.
The NCCK group met with Mrs. Peg Birk, General Secretary of the NCCC-USA, and talked about how to cooperate for peace on the Korean peninsula.
On July 12th, the group met 20 church and NGO representatives at UN church center in New York and talked about Peace Treaty, Peace Train. They were from PC-USA, United Methodist Church, Mennonites Church, Quaker, Artist Association.
In the meeting with the Presiding Bishop Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, she expressed her positive support for peace campaign and mentioned that she would explain about NCCK's position and opinion in the US Congress when she was supposed to give a speech,
The group also met with the June 15 Committees in New York and in Washington, and those representatives promised their every effort for successful Peace Train and for building peace on the Korean peninsula in the relations with the USA government.

2) NCCK leaders met with the KCF representatives in Shenyang on Oct. 15 and Oct 19, 2013.

3) 2013 August 15 Joint Prayer prepared jointly by the Churches of South and North Korea

4) 2014 Easter Common Prayer of the Churches of South and North Korea

5) Evaluation on the WCC Statement on the Peace and Unification in the Korean peninsula

The results of WCC 10th General Assembly are filtering down to the Korean Churches through the activities of NCCK in the next few months, as NCCK committees communicate the decisions and statements of the WCC Assembly to the churches.

On Jan.27, the Reconciliation and Reunification Committee hosted a symposium to discuss and clarify the important issues raised by the adopted Statement on Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
The symposium started with sharing the story of the Peace Train experience by Rev. Sung Myung Ok, the former General Secretary of PCK Women Ministers Association. 4 speakers spoke about aspects of the Document; the addressing of the partition of the Korean Peninsula at the 10th Assembly (Rev. Cho Hun Jung), the contents of the statement (Prof. Noh Jeong Son), proposals for Reunification (Dr. Kim Young Bok and Father Lee Jae Jeong), and then the meeting opened for discussion by participants.
Following are portions of the Document, Statement on Peace and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula, adopted at Busan, WCC 10th General Assembly

- Changing geopolitical dynamics among the four major powers could stifle the aspirations and hopes of the Korean people for peace and reunification. Increasing arms build-ups in several Asian countries make this one of the fastest-growing regions for military spending in the world, including nuclear arms and high-tech weapons of mass destruction.
The peace we envision is a condition of justice embracing the whole of life and restoring harmony among neighbours. We are convinced that it is the right time to begin a new process towards a comprehensive peace treaty that will replace the 1953 Armistice Agreement. As delegates representing 345 churches and some 560 million Christians around the world, we are prepared to renew our support for peace and reconciliation, and to encourage and assist the national and international leaders whose efforts are indispensable. We also discern signs of hope and a framework that would enable the Korean peninsula to embrace peace with justice and fullness of life. On the Korean peninsula, shared human security and human rights must become a greater priority than divisive, competitive and militarized national security.
Recommendations:
a) Embody the spirit of the Tozanso process including courage, caring, communication, confession,
conciliation and commitment
b) Pray with the peoples and churches of Korea by designating the Sunday before 15 August as the ¡°Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula¡±
c) Provide a wide ecumenical platform for young generations both in North and South Korea to meet together in order to envision a desirable future of the Korean Peninsula
d) Organize solidarity visits to churches in North and South Korea that can serve as peacemakers and bridge builders. A first visit can be organized as early as 2014, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the historic Tozanso International Consultation; and
e) Continue accompanying the churches of Korea by providing common platforms for churches and Christians from both North and South to meet together in order to advance towards reconciliation and peace. We recognize that a historically symbolic moment for such initiatives could be found in 2015, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Korea.
Commitment to take actions to:
a) Work with our governments to mandate the United Nations Security Council to initiate new efforts for peace-building across the Korean Peninsula and to lift the existing economic and financial sanctions imposed on the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea;
b) Embark upon a universal campaign for a Peace Treaty to replace the Armistice Agreement of 1953, bringing an end to the state of war;
c) Call upon all foreign powers in the region to participate in a creative process for building peace on the Korean peninsula by halting all military exercises on the Korean peninsula, by ceasing their interventions and reducing military expenditures;
d) Ensure the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of all nuclear weapons and power plants in -North East Asia, by taking steps to establish a Nuclear-Free World and simultaneously joining the emerging international consensus for a humanitarian ban on nuclear weapons in all regions of the world, so that life is no longer threatened by nuclear dangers anywhere on earth;
e) Urge the governments in both North and South Korea to restore human community with justice and human dignity by overcoming injustice and confrontation, and to heal human community by urgently addressing the humanitarian issue of separated families, by establishing a sustainable process allowing confirmation of the whereabouts of family members and free exchanges of letters and visits, and by offering the support of international agencies where necessary;
f) Work with the governments of the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea in providing international cooperation to maintain a truly Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and transform it into a zone of peace.

¡Ü NCCK Peace Project Report: Peace Madang and Peace Train
Hosting the WCC 10th Assembly, we expected that world church could contribute on the task of reconciliation and peace in the Korean peninsula. WCC has been deeply concerned peace on the Korean peninsula from the time of 1970s for human rights, democratization and peace issues, especially through ¡°Tozanso Process¡± in 1984.
We perceived that the theme of the Busan Assembly, ¡°God of life, lead us to justice and peace¡± is especially meaningful in North-East Asia. All the issue of life, justice, peace is articulated in this area. it has to contribute on the confirmation of security of people has lived in this divided country for over 60 years.

Some 130 people from around the world was traveling and included church and civil society representatives. It started from Berlin(Germany) to Seoul and Busan via Moscow(Russia), Irkutsk(Russia), Beijing(China) and Dandoong(China). Covering a distance of some 10,500 kilometers, they arrived in Busan on 28th October and hold a Thanks-giving worship on 29th October. This project was supported by many ecumenical churches and organizations. Among 130 people, half of them were Koreans, proclaiming passionately their longing for reunification. The others, from 14 countries, as far away as Brazil, African nations of Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia, from India, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia, North America, Europe and Ukraine, formed a community in the vision of peace.

Peace Train was a peace journey seeking the Korean peninsula¡¯s peaceful unification and the transformation of the political situation between South and North Korea. Peace Train stressed the importance of achieving peace system on the Korean peninsula and cooperated with the Churches of countries who participated in the division of the Korean peninsula in 1953, and thus had the opportunity of contributing to the peace of the Korean peninsula, Northeast Asia and world.

1) Peace Madang in Berlin

The journey started in Berlin. Germany is a meaningful venue because of the reunification of East and West Germany in 1989. The meaning and lesson of the reunification of Germany which experienced the imposed division after World War II and life through the Cold War in the divided state is very crucial. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the symbol of Cold War between East and West, Germany experienced conflict and pain in the process of achieving social integration and German churches played a role in the unification. Like them, churches in South and North Korea should prepare for the era of unification.

Opening ceremony at the Heilandskirche at Berlin-Moabit on 7th of October 2013
Organizer : Rev. Dr. Christof Theilemann (Berliner Missionswerk)
Greetings : Rev. Paul Oppenheim (EKD), Mr. Botschafter a.D. Michael Geier (former German Embassador in Korea), Rev. Young-Ju Kim(General Secretary of NCCK)

Symposium:
1 ¡°The role and contribution of Germany and German churches on the Korean peninsula¡¯s unification¡±
Moderator : Mr. Lutz Drescher (EMS)
Presented by Prof. Dr. You Jae Lee (Tuebingen University)
2 ¡°Ecumenical Community¡¯s contribution on the Peace on the Korean peninsula¡±
Moderator : Dr. Christof Theilemann (BMW)
Presented by Prof. Dr. Konrad Raiser, former General Secretary of the WCC
3. ¡°Churches for Peace and Reunification Making Future¡±
Presented by Prof. emer. Jong-Sun Noh(Yonsei University)
4. Berlin Peace Message adopted by all participants
5. Candlelight Worship Service for peace at the Brandenburg Gate - symbol of division and reunification of Germany. Their scripture for reflection was Isaiah 52, verse 7 which says "How wonderful it is to see the messenger coming across the mountains, bringing good news, the news of peace!" It os wonderful these messengers have gathered from north, south, east and west to witness to peace. Join your prayers to theirs. Isaiah 52, verse 12 says 'The Lord your God will lead you and protect you on every side"

6. Peace Pilgrimage of the places in Berlin that mark division and reunification, pain and reconciliation, death and life - among them Berlin Reconciliation Church, Berlin Wall memorial, Holocaust memorial. There were many stories told.

2) Peace Madang in Moscow
Russia is one of countries which affect Korea¡¯s modern history. In the coming years, Russia should be a strategic partner for cooperation in the process of and after unification of the Korean peninsula.
Seminar: organized by Russian Orthodox Church at the Danilovsky Hotel, Moscow, on 11th October 2013
Greetings by Metroplitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk (Chairman of Department for External Church Relations, Moscow Patriarchate) and Rev. Kim Young Ju (General Secretary of the NCCK)

Lectures presented by

1¡°Religions for Justice and Peace, An Ecumenical Approach¡± : Dr. Guillermo Kerber(WCC)
2. ¡°WCC Initiatives and the Tozanso Process for Peace and Reunification of Korea¡± : Dr. Mathews George (WCC/CCIA)
3. ¡°The Issue of Peace in Inter-Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany¡±: Rev. Dr. Rolf Koppe (Bishop Emeritus for Foreign Affairs, EKD)
4. ¡°International Politics to Regional cooperation: Reflecting European Security and Cooperation on Northeast Asia¡± : Dr. Suh Bo-Hyuk (Prof. Seoul National University-Institute for Peace and Unification)
5. ¡°Russia¡¯s Efforts for Peace and Reconciliation in Korea¡±: Dr. Zhebin Alexander Z (director of the Center for Korean Studies of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences)
6. ¡°Sergey Riakhovsy (Bishop of the Union of the Evangelical Faith Christians-Pentecostals in Russia)
7. ¡°Cross-cultural Interaction as a Factor of Public Stability¡± Example of Orthodox-Protestant Relations¡±: Zaitsev Evgeniy V. (doctor of thelolgy, Director of the Institute for Biblical Studies, Church of the Seventh Day Adventists)

3) Peace Madang in Irkutsk : the home of the beautiful Baikal Lake
Peace Madang focusing on the Environment ¡°Religious Communities and protection of the environment¡± at this unique place; home to 1,700 species of plants and animals, 2/3 of which can be found nowhere else in the world.

4) In Beijing
We expected CCC(China Christian Council)¡¯s Contribution
It is important because • Peace on the Korean peninsula also is closely related to peace in the Northeast Asia, and therefore the role of the church in China is very crucial. • Through Peace Train project, participants could have deep understanding of problem which the Church of China is facing with and commitment to peace building in the area through praying together. However we visited a few churches and met with the president of Beijing regional office of CCC.

5) In Dandoong, border city between China and North Korea
Even though we had tried our every effort to persuaded both governments of the North and the South for entering into Pyungyang, instead of Pyungyang peace train team visited Dandoong and had opportunity to see North Korea and to pray for reunification there

6) In Busan : Peace Train team arrived 28th of October, and 29th they had a Thank-giving worship service. Rev. Paul Oppenheim (EKD) preached and 6 person¡¯s witness and story-telling were moved.

8. Humanitarian aid assistance
1) Foodshipment
        December 31st. 2013
        100 tons of wheat flour (amounted U$60,000)
Donation from
                Korean churches          U$11,719
                United Church of Canada CDN10,000
                Methodist Church in Britain,         £7,000
                Hesse und Nassau in Germany ¢æ20,000

    2) Support to Chilgol Church Reconstruction        U$18000
          September, 2013
                United Church of Canada  CDN 5000
                Methodist Church in Britain £3,000
                EFK Suplus                 U$7,000
                CCA                         U$2,000
                


9. Updates on Finance
(a) Financial report ; see attached for report from June 2013-2014
Chae Heawon gave a brief explanation.


(b) Plans for EFK Budget June 2014-2015
A budget has not yet been developed for the June 2014-15 period,  because that is dependent on plans yet to be made by the EFK Steering Group and its members.  

Patti Talbot indicated that the UC Canada had communicated to Chae Heawon that as a result of the UC Canada overall budget crisis, it was forced to reduce its annual support for the EFK Coordination to $6000 CAD (2013-14 was $10,000 CAD).  She invited other members of the EFK Steering Committee to consider supporting the the EFK Coordination costs as well as specific projects and food aid.  

Steve Pearce indicated that the Methodist Church of Britain would commit to providing the shortfall June 2014-15 caused by the UC Canada decrease.  Sandy Sneddon said that Church of Scotland and Bishop Jung Hee Soo of the UMC both indicated their churches would also be open to requests for support, and would do what is possible if a budget with proposals could be circulated.

        
9. EFK : future structure, programmes and joint actions

(a) Composition of the new Steering Group
It was agreed that existing membership continue for the time being, with an additional North American church represented.  This would be the United Methodist Church.  Secondly, it was agreed that the group was meant to be an open, flexible one and should continue to be supplemented by other participants/observers.

(b) New Steering Group members and Chairperson.
It was agreed: that Peter Prove (WCC CCIA Director) be the new Chairperson.

The Steering Group expressed its gratitude to Dr Matthews George for his leadership over the years.  A gift was presented to Dr. George by Rev Chae Heawon on behalf of the EFK Steering Group.

(c) Tozanso 30th anniversary Celebration and (d) Joint Prayer meeting
Rev Kim Young Ju spoke about the widespread hope that the Busan Assembly Statement, these gatherings and more symbolize the start of a new era of collaboration and solidarity for the peace and reunification of Korea.  The Steering group talked about a need for a new and reinvigorated strategies that involve existing and new energy, existing and new partners to engage in solidarity to work for peace in the world, for the reunification of Korean peninsula is not just about the Koreas but about peace in the world.

Discussion:
Would it be possible to have a Tozanso 30th Anniversary Celebration (not consultation) and Prayer Meeting at Keumkang Mountain or in PyeongYang?  Could the the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Korea from Japanese (August 2015) be another possible timing for a major international ecumenical gathering for peace and reunification?

Rev Ri Jong Ro expressed reservations about the scope of the many activities envisioned. He indicated that KCF has a very valued and close relationship with NCCK.  The reason for this is that NCCK in South Korea is the most active institution working for peace and reunification.  The KCF will do its best to try to realize the vision and is reflecting on how this can happen. There was concerned and expressed that north-south Korea governmental relationships are very tense at the present time.  It was pointed out that even if KCF agrees to host event in the DPRK, the South Korean government may not allow south Koreans to travel, and thus prevent such gatherings from happening.   An invitation has already been extended for a Joint prayer meeting in North Korea, but the South Korean government has not enabled it to go forward.  A Joint prayer meeting was planned for 2013 in DPRK, but because of joint US-ROK military exercises that happened, it was cancelled.  The KCF is concerned therefore that if a Prayer meeting is not allowed, then a larger gathering (consultation) would not be allowed either.

It is important to consider all possibilities. For example, Keumkang Mountin is now a closed area and cannot be accessed.  Perhaps a Joint prayer meeting could be held in the Keasong Industrial Complex.  Possibly related to August 15 Liberation Day ¡¦ a day of celebration for North and South. This could also be a time for praying for reunification. However ¡¦ if there are joint US-ROK military exercises this August too, this jeopardizes a joint gathering .

(e) Peace Treaty campaign
It was agreed that a key action for focus and action by the ecumenical family be a universal campaign for a Peace Treaty to replace the Armistice Agreement.

(f) Strategies for development cooperation in North Korea

10. EFK Steering Group report to the Consultation:

The following points were discussed:
-        Affirm the WCC Busan Statement on Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and the commitment of the WCC as a fellowship of churches to take action [Recommendations 2 (a) through (f). ]

-        Urge the Consultation and the ecumenical family to take up the following critical priorities:
1.        That hostile policies toward the DPRK cease.
2.        That global sanctions against DPRK end, for they cause great suffering among the people of North Korea.
3.        That military exercises around the Korean peninsula cease and that foreign forces be withdrawn from the region.
4.        That government  relations with DPRK be normalized.
5.        That a key action for focus and action by the ecumenical family be a universal campaign for a Peace Treaty to replace the Armistice Agreement.

It was agreed that Patti Talbot would work on a draft report and circulate by evening this evening, for comment and revision, and presentation to the Consultation.

*** n.b. SEE ATTACHED REPORT ***


11. Next meeting of the Korea Ecumenical Forum and the Steering Group Meeting
1. Visit to DPRK
-        It was suggested that an EFK Steering Group visit be planned for March or April 2015.
-        Possibly a smaller group from the EFK Steering Group could visit in the fall of 2014?

2. Ecumenical Forum on Korea meeting – in Nanjing? Hong Kong?
-        It was noted that October 2015 will the 30th anniversary of the Amity Foundation in China, so would not be a good time to plan a full EFK gathering.
-        Could a meeting be planned for no later than early 2016?

3.  Next EFK Steering Group meeting
It could be held in conjuction with 2015 August 15 celebration.
After discussion, it was agreed that KCF and NCCK representatives meet during the next days and make a proposal related to both future meetings – the EFK Steering Group.  

12. Closing Actions
       Dr. George         thanked all gathered for their efforts today.  
       Bp Jung Hee Soo offered a closing prayer and blessing.
        


Appendix:
Ecumenical Forum on Korea Steering Group report to
  The International Consultation on Justice, Peace and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula

The Ecumenical Forum on Peace, Reunification and Development Cooperation on the Korean Peninsula (EFK) is meant to reflect "the spirit of the churches' commitment to peace and reunification expressed in the Tozanso process", and "serve as a cooperative endeavor of churches, national council of churches, mission organizations and church-related development agencies in cooperation with the WCC, CCA and other ecumenical bodies."

The Ecumenical Forum on Korea Steering Group is composed of representatives of the WCC-CCIA, NCCK, KCF, CCA, and currently representatives of the NCC-Japan, Methodist Church of Britain, United Church of Canada, and Bread for the World/Protestant Development Service, Germany.


The EFK Steering Group met Monday June 16, 2014 for an expanded meeting that included representatives from EKD and Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) Germany, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church-USA, the Church of Scotland, and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.


The EFK Steering Group:

1. Strongly re-affirmed the WCC Busan Assembly's Statement on Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, this commitment of the WCC as a fellowship of churches and urged action on each area named in the Statement [Recommendations 2. (a) through (f)].

2. Named as a key focus for action the commitment to a universal campaign for a Peace Treaty to replace the Armistice Agreement.

During its discussion, the EFK Steering Group shared information and updates on activities related to peace, reunification and development cooperation on the Korean peninsula.  

KCF and the NCCK representatives described root causes for the ongoing suffering and division, and named the immediate, critical need for global ecumenical action for justice, peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula.  

The EFK Steering Group discussed the importance of necessary conditions for peace and reconciliation: the ending of hostile policies toward the DPRK, the cessation of global sanctions against DPRK, for they continue to cause great suffering among the people of the DPRK, the end to military exercises around the Korean peninsula cease and the withdrawal of foreign forces from the region, and the normalization of government relations with DPRK.

The EFK Steering Group reaffirmed the two areas of concern for the Ecumenical Forum on Korea (activities related to peace and reunification, and to ecumenical development cooperation) with the primary purpose being that of seeking peace, justice and reunification on the Korean peninsula in the spirit of the Tozanso process.

Peter Prove (WCC, Director-CCIA) was named as new Chair of the Steering Group, replacing Mathews George (WCC, outgoing Director-CCIA).  


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