As delegates gathered in Chiang Mai for the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) 27th General Council, voices from across the globe joined together to reflect on one of the world’s most enduring divides — the separation of the Korean Peninsula.
During a workshop hosted by the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), ecumenical leaders shared stories of faith, solidarity, and the unrelenting pursuit of peace — a peace that has remained fragile yet deeply yearned for by generations.
“We stand with you in this pilgrimage of hope, confident together we can build bridges that transform conflict into healing and renewal,” said Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of the Church and Mission Unit of the United Church of Canada, who moderated the session.
The workshop — one of several engaging discussions on the opening day of the General Council — was a space for both reflection and action, as participants explored how faith can be a catalyst for reconciliation in the face of historical wounds and political division.
A Struggle That Persists
Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), offered a sobering reminder that the dream of a reconciled Korea has been part of the ecumenical movement’s mission for decades.
“There are times when it feels as though peace is within reach — and then new obstacles emerge,” Chunakara reflected. “But still the struggle continues. My hope is that these discussions, both formal and informal, will bring people together and mobilize them.”
Faith as Perseverance
For Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the WCRC’s General Council theme — “Persevere in Your Witness” — could not be more fitting for the Korean context.
“There are moments when the possibilities for peace appear, and then they fade,” Pillay said. “But persistence brings hope — and hope brings the bright day. Prayer brings hope, and we must never give up. God calls us to peace, to unity, to reconciliation. Keep up the fire; keep igniting our spirits. Something new will come because God is present.”
Standing Together in Solidarity
Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, WCRC General Secretary, recalled that when he first joined the Communion in 2000, the topic of Korean reunification was already on the table. “As the NCCK celebrated its centenary last year, it was heartening to see that this commitment remains at the forefront of its mission,” he said. “Nothing demonstrates the call to persevere better than this ongoing pursuit of peace.”
Nyomi emphasized that the WCRC’s solidarity with the Korean church is not symbolic, but deeply felt. “Whenever one part of the family weeps, we weep along with them,” he said. “When choosing workshop themes for this General Council, we were inspired by what communities are living through — and by what we care about most.”
Faith in Action
Rev. Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, shared her church’s prayers and actions for reconciliation after more than 80 years of division on the Korean Peninsula. “May our time here strengthen the bonds of solidarity,” she said.
As the workshop continues for a second day, participants are expected to engage in deeper conversations about historical accountability, confession, solidarity, and prayer — exploring how faith communities can become active agents of peace amid political tension and human suffering.
Throughout the world, many WCRC member churches and partners are involved in peace and reconciliation efforts in their own contexts, supported through funding, accompaniment, and solidarity visits.
The Korean Peninsula holds a special place in that witness. A significant portion of Korea’s Christian community is of Reformed and Presbyterian background, including the Korean Christian Federation in the North. Together, they form part of the WCRC family — united in prayer, divided by borders, yet joined in hope.
In Chiang Mai, as in Seoul and Pyongyang, that hope continues to flicker — a faith that believes peace, though delayed, is not denied.
