WCC News: Visit to Korean observatory brings unification into hearts and minds

As part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation (EEF) first in-person meeting after the WCC’s 11th Assembly in 2022, the commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory, some 45 minutes away from Seoul.  On 27 June, EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 28 June 2024 The commission is meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea, 25-28 June. Located in Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, the Odusan Unification Observatory was established to console the feelings of dispersed families and provide an educational site for the unification education through 5F to B1 in 1992. The observatory is situated in the northernmost ceasefire line of the western front where the Hangang River and Imjingang River meet. Rev. Vilma  Niemi, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, reflected that the unstable political situation, suspicion, and division made her both restless and sad. “We have met some leaders of the churches in South Korea, and they have asked us to pray for the South Koreans, for the North Koreans and for peace,” she said. “What also gives me hope is what kind of peace education has been given in South Korea. At the observation place we saw children's art, for example shaking hands and a dove of peace.” Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Prof. Rev. Dr Reinhold Bernhardt, Protestant Church of Switzerland, commented on the richness of the gathering, a combination of theology, conversation, and the visit to the observatory.  “From that conversation, we gained insider insights into the political, economic, and theological situation in South Korea,” he said. “We were reminded of the crucial importance of ecumenical relations for that church.” However, he added, other churches in South Korea view ecumenism as a threat to their identity and have made anti-ecumenism a cornerstone of their self-understanding. “Standing on the observation platform overlooking North Korea reminded me of my childhood experiences of Sunday trips to the Iron Curtain that divided Germany: the barbed-wire fences, the watchtowers, and the speculations about what life was like for the people on the other side,” he said. “What might they think and feel when they see the lights across the border at night, the cars passing by on the other side of the fence, and the people watching them from that platform?” He added: “The distance between them and me was only about two kilometers, but I felt them being infinitely far away.” On 27 June, EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Odusan Unification Observatory. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), recalled meeting delegates from both North and South Korea in June 2018 in Geneva, as the WCC was celebrating its 70th anniversary.  “Today in Seoul, as the WCC's commission on EEF meets, we have the opportunity to observe first hand the depth of the challenges this artificial divide has forged, as well as pray with our sisters and brothers for the celestial hope of reunification,” he said.  From Rev. Prof. Fernando Bortolleto Filho, from the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil: “It is very special place. It was a privilege to visit that place. The place makes us reflect on peace and conflict. In fact, the river is a "wall". A symbol of division.” The 27 June program also included a visit to the Namsangol Hanok Village, a collection of five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan mountain.  WCC commission opens meeting at historic Yonsei University, with all eyes on education, formation (WCC news release, 25 June 2024) Photo gallery from the EEF commission meeting in Korea Learn more about the WCC's Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation On 27 June, the EEF commissioners had the opportunity to visit the Namsangol Hanok Village, a collection of five hanoks (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan mountain. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland