An entire Korean Presbyterian congregation has been received into the Diocese of Georgia as an unorganized mission, using as its "parish home" St. Philip's Church, Hinesville. In answer to a unique request, the congregation, many of whom came from other traditions, became baptized members of the Episcopal Church, and the pastor, the Rev. Daniel Ki Chul Lee, was designated lay vicar.

The Rev. Canon Samir Habiby, rector of St. Philip's, said Hinesville is the home of the military's rapid deployment force for Asia, and has several thousand Korean military spouses living in the area. The Korean Central Church uses a Book of Common Prayer in English and Korean, allowing non-Korean-speaking family members to participate. At the next diocesan convention, Canon Habiby said he expects the congregation of about 40 families to be accepted as an organized mission.

Canon Habiby said the standing committee and the Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit, Jr., Bishop of Georgia, had accepted Pastor Lee's credentials. Canon Habiby is training Pastor Lee in Episcopal liturgy and practice, and expects he will follow the canonical succession of ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood.

In keeping with Korean tradition, the Central Church has a prayer service at 5 a.m. Sundays, with Morning Prayer followed by brunch at 1 p.m., and a midweek evening service. "They really like our liturgy," Canon Habiby said, " and the structure of the liturgical calendar."