Korea is Newest Province in the Anglican Communion
Episcopal News Service. April 30, 1993 [93079]
Partner churches from around the world packed the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Nicholas in Seoul April 16 for the launching of the newest province in the Anglican Communion and installation of its new primate.
Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey relinquished his jurisdiction over Anglicans in Korea, ending a century of mission work, and handed a primatial staff to the Most Rev. Simon Soung-Soo Kim. Carey's sermon and the new primate's response called on Anglicans in Korea to become agents of reconciliation and reunification. The festival Eucharist highlighted hymns by Korean composers and traditional Korean drum and flute music.
The theme of reconciliation was woven throughout the service. The history of Korea in the 20th century has been a tragic one -- occupation by the Japanese and the suppression of Korean culture; a short period of freedom and then division into North and South, plus permanent scars left by the Korean War.
Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning, representing the Episcopal Church, said in his statement during the service that the occasion "signals the success of a beginning, one built on a hundred years of work in God's mission under very difficult circumstances." In offering his blessings and congratulations, Browning added a hope "that the work of the Anglican Church in Korea, in which our Lord's prayer for unity is made a reality, might be reflected in a people united in bonds stronger than any borders or history." Browning presented a check for $5,000 to support the church's Houses of Sharing, a community center ministry.
The presiding bishop and his wife, personal friends of the Kims, were joined by the Rev. Mark Harris, partnership officer for Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East, and the Rev. Winston Ching, Asiamerican ministries staff officer, and 11 clergy and laity representing Korean congregations in the United States.
Primates from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Philippines, as well as Korea's Roman Catholic Cardinal Kim, joined the celebration.
based on a report by the Rev. Mark Harris