친교에 부름을 받았습니다,

정의에 대한 헌신.

기도의 부름: 시리아의 평화와 정의를 추구하다

기도

WCRC 크리스마스 메시지: 세계적인 어려움 속에서도 믿음의 힘 찾기

뉴스

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.

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

뉴스

세계 경제의 변화: GEM 스쿨, 지원자 모집 시작

뉴스

2024 종교개혁 주일 전례

리소스

우리는 전 세계 109개국 230여 개 회원교회에 소속된 1억 명의 기독교인입니다.

WCRC는 기독교 신앙이란 예수 그리스도의 사랑을 통해 세상의 변화를 위해 정의를 증진하고 모든 사람들의 영적 필요를 충족시키라는 하나님의 부르심에 응답하는 것을 의미한다고 믿습니다.

분별하고, 고백하고, 증거하고, 함께 개혁되기

하나님의 말씀과 성령의 부르심에 대한 강력한 참여를 통해 우리는 모든 사람의 완전하고 공정한 참여를 위해 노력하면서 항상 변화되고 있습니다.

다양성 속에서 우리는 “평안의 매는 줄로 성령의 하나 되게 하신 것”(에베소서 4:3)의 살아있는 표현이 되고자 노력합니다.

우리는 모든 인류와 모든 피조물이 충만한 삶을 살 수 있도록 경제와 지구를 새롭게 하고 회복하기 위해 노력합니다.

글로벌 코이노니아로서 WCRC와 회원 교회는 함께 분별하고 고백하고 증거하며 개혁되는 것을 특징으로 합니다.

2024년까지 세계개혁교회커뮤니언은 친교에 대한 하나님의 부르심과 정의에 대한 헌신을 실천하는 데 있어 크게 강화되고 더욱 효과적이 되기 위해 노력할 것입니다.

뉴스

WCRC 크리스마스 메시지: 세계적인 어려움 속에서도 믿음의 힘 찾기

자세히보기”

12월 11, 2024

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.

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

자세히보기”

12월 11, 2024

세계 경제의 변화: GEM 스쿨, 지원자 모집 시작

자세히보기”

12월 9, 2024

WCRC, 하노버에서 글로벌 회원 및 파트너 프로그램 반성 라운드 테이블 개최

자세히보기”

12월 9, 2024

추악한 세상과 더 희망찬 미래: 아크라 고백에 대한 성찰

자세히보기”

12월 6, 2024

빅토리아 터너, ACCRA+20 회의에서 교회에 정의와 일치에 대해 재고할 것을 촉구하다

자세히보기”

12월 6, 2024