[일:] 2024년 12월 11일

WCRC 크리스마스 메시지: 세계적인 어려움 속에서도 믿음의 힘 찾기

세계개혁교회커뮤니언(WCRC)의 나즐라 카삽(Najla Kassab) 총회장과 세트리 니오미(Setri Nyomi) 사무총장은 진심 어린 크리스마스 메시지에서 전 세계가 직면한 어려움에도 불구하고 희망과 인내로 이 시기를 함께 축하하자고 전 세계 교회에 호소합니다. 그들은 성탄절에 관한 성경 이야기를 되짚어 보면서, 역경에 직면한 마리아와 요셉의 인내를 강조하면서, 전 세계 공동체가 겪는 어려움과 유사점을 찾습니다. 전쟁으로 분열된 지역(우크라이나, 중동 등)부터 쿠바의 경제 […]

인내의 소리: 우크라이나 개신교도, 에큐메니칼 연대, 그리고 러시아 미사일 파편으로 만든 오르간

Copyright: Amid the ongoing war that has gripped Ukraine for nearly three years, a remarkable gathering of religious leaders, scholars, and church representatives took place on November 28, 2024, at the Ukrainian Catholic University’s Institute of Ecumenical Studies. The seminar, titled “Ukrainian Protestants and Ecumenical Cooperation,” provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the growing involvement of Ukrainian Protestants in both public life and ecumenical dialogue during these trying times. One of the key speakers was Hanns Lessing, the executive secretary for Communion and Theology of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), who shared his insights on Ukraine’s current state and the role Protestant communities can play in the global ecumenical movement. Lessing’s visit to Ukraine came at a time when the country’s ongoing war with Russia is deeply affecting every aspect of life. Upon his arrival, he immediately felt the weight of the conflict. "If you visit Ukraine, you realize very quickly that this is a country at war," he said. Lessing recalled the moment he entered the country by train, observing that most of his fellow passengers were women and children, as men remain behind to fight. "You see soldiers at every corner, and many of them are disabled veterans. It’s not one or two, but at least one soldier at every corner," he noted. The atmosphere in cities like Lviv is marked by the constant reminder of the war—bombed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and a relentless sense of unease brought on by Russian bombings targeting vital infrastructure. However, what struck Lessing most was not just the obvious signs of war, but the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He shared a powerful story from Lviv’s central train station, where a church organ, damaged in a bombing, had been rebuilt and now serves as a symbol of defiance and hope. "Every afternoon, there is an organ concert in the station hall. It’s a powerful experience of life amid destruction," he reflected. This, he said, is a testament to how the people of Ukraine continue to live fully and contribute to their society despite the devastation around them. The seminar, which brought together a diverse range of speakers, turned its attention to the role of Ukrainian Protestants in the global ecumenical movement. Lessing, who has been a part of the WCRC’s ecumenical efforts for many years, spoke about Ukraine’s complex religious history, marked by centuries of imperial influence and divisions within the Orthodox Church. "Ukraine has been shaped by empires—Polish, Austrian-Hungarian, Russian—and this has created a deeply layered religious landscape," Lessing said. Protestantism, which arrived relatively late to Ukraine, is now predominantly represented by Baptist, evangelical, and Pentecostal communities. "Historically, these congregations were isolated from wider society, especially during Soviet rule, but now they are finding ways to engage," he explained. The seminar sought to address how Ukrainian Protestants can navigate the delicate balance between maintaining their theological identity and participating in the broader ecumenical movement. Lessing pointed out that as the war continues, the country’s Protestant communities are becoming more involved in public life, adding their voice to the larger conversations about national identity and unity. "The Ukrainian Protestant churches are in a unique position to actively witness and contribute to the fellowship of religions and churches in Ukraine," he said, emphasizing that the current crisis has forced many to reconsider their role in society. Lessing also shared how the WCRC is looking to support Ukrainian Protestants during these difficult times. He highlighted the theme for the next WCRC General Council, which will be held in Chiang Mai: "perseverance in witness." "In the face of war, it is the perseverance of communities that sustains them," Lessing said. "For many churches, including those in Ukraine, this theme is especially relevant. We learn so much from their perseverance, and we need to offer them solidarity." He referred to the biblical passage from Hebrews 12:1, which speaks of a "cloud of witnesses" who support each other during times of trial. "This image is vital for us in the ecumenical movement right now," he added. Solidarity, in fact, was a key takeaway from Lessing’s visit. He spoke about the ongoing support efforts from the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, which has made frequent solidarity visits to Ukrainian Protestants. "This is something we need to continue, not only for our member churches but for the wider body of churches in Ukraine," he noted. In conclusion, Lessing praised the ecumenical approach taken by the UCU Institute of Ecumenical Studies, which organized the seminar, and expressed gratitude for the efforts to foster dialogue among Ukraine’s Protestant communities. "This is a time of crisis, but it is also a time for the church to come together," Lessing said. "We, as Protestants and as part of the WCRC, are thankful for the initiative to bring churches together, to find common ground, and to work for peace." The seminar not only highlighted the role of Ukrainian Protestants in the country’s current crisis but also underscored the importance of global solidarity within the ecumenical movement. Through their resilience and faith, Ukrainian Protestants are contributing to a broader understanding of Christian witness in the face of war and suffering, offering valuable lessons for the global church community.

3년 가까이 계속되고 있는 우크라이나의 전쟁 속에서 2024년 11월 28일, 우크라이나 가톨릭 대학교의 에큐메니컬 연구소에서 종교 지도자, 학자, 교회 대표들이 모인 뜻깊은 모임이 열렸습니다. “우크라이나 개신교와 에큐메니컬 협력”이라는 제목의 이 세미나는 이 어려운 시기에 공공 생활과 에큐메니컬 대화 모두에 개신교인들이 점점 더 많이 참여하고 있다는 사실을 되돌아볼 수 있는 특별한 기회를 제공했습니다. 주요 연사 중 […]