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World Methodist Conference set for July in Korea
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A UMNS file photo by Mike DuBose
The
Kwang Lim Trinity Choir of Korea performs during closing ceremonies at
the 2001 World Methodist Conference in Brighton, England.
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| The
Kwang Lim Trinity Choir of Korea performs a traditional Korean dance
during closing ceremonies at the 18th World Methodist Conference in
Brighton, England, in 2001. Preparations are under way for the 2006
conference, set for July 20-24 in Seoul, South Korea. A UMNS photo by
Mike DuBose. Photo #06095. Accompanies UMNS story #056. 1/30/06 |
Jan. 30, 2006
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) - Methodists from the far corners of the
earth will come together July 20-24 in Seoul, South Korea, for the 19th
World Methodist Conference.
"All Methodists worldwide have been invited to join with their Korean
Methodist brothers and sisters in attending this momentous event and in
praying with the Korean Methodists for peace in their land and for the
reunification of the Korean peninsula," said the Rev. George Freeman,
top staff executive of the World Methodist Council.
The assembly is the only event that specifically brings together people
from all of the world's Wesleyan traditions. The theme will be "God in
Christ Reconciling."
"This theme will be the focus of our time together each day," Freeman
said. "We look forward to the gathering of believers in the
Methodist/Wesleyan family and to the things which God will cause to
happen as a result of this conference."
 Conference
sessions will be held in the 10,000-seat Kum Nan Methodist Church. The
gathering will open with a 400-voice choir and full orchestra from
Korean Methodist churches. A procession of representatives carrying
banners from many of the 130 countries where Methodist and Uniting
Church Christians live will wind its way to the altar.
Delegates will have an opportunity to become better acquainted through
five days of Bible studies and messages brought by Methodist leaders
from Ireland, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the United States, Israel, South Korea,
South Africa, Singapore.
Gillian Kingston, a lay pastor from the Methodist Church of Ireland and
chairperson of the program committee, said discussion and sharing that
will take place in seminars and workshops will focus on crucial issues
facing Methodists worldwide: ecumenism and dialogue; education; world
evangelism; family life; social and international affairs; theological
education; worship and liturgy; and youth.
"The uniqueness of Christianity will be apparent as participants gather in seminars Saturday afternoon," she said.
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A UMNS file photo by Mike DuBose
Bishop John R. Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivers the theme address at the 2001 conference.
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John R. Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivers the
theme address at the World Methodist Conference in Brighton, England.
Preparations are under way for the 2006 conference, set for July 20-24
in Seoul, South Korea. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo #06096.
Accompanies UMNS story #056. 1/30/06 |
On a daily basis, the program will reflect some of the diversity of the
world's cultures. On July 21, the Korean Church will present Korean
Cultural Night, with music and dance from the host country.
Michael Tan, from the Methodist Church Singapore, has designed the
conference logo, which represents the four corners of the earth in the
shape of the cross. The logo and theme symbolize the reconciliation that
God offers all humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
The conference, representing 76 denominations with roots in the
Methodist movement, meets every five years. The last gathering was held
in Brighton, England, in July 2001.
Information on the conference is available by contacting the World
Methodist Council, P.O. Box 518, Lake Junaluska, N.C. 28745, or going to
www.worldmethodistcouncil.org. Travel details are available by calling Travelink at (800) 227-5680 or (828) 252-8484 or going online to www.travelinkonline.com.
*The World Methodist Council provided information for this report.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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