107th PROK General Assembly
The 107th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) began on October 20, 2022, at the K Hotel in Gyeongju. For the first time in three years, the General Assembly was held in person for three days.
At the opening service, Rev. Kim Eun Kyung, the 106th PROK Moderator, preached a sermon titled, "70 Years of New Beginnings, Save Us in Your Steadfast Love." Rev. Kim spoke of how the PROK, "has been the hope of the people in the midst of crisis." And that, "with peace, the PROK must share the pain of the weak and discriminated, and bring greater awareness to ecological justice and gender justice in this society." Rev. Kim also said that this year's Assembly, "should be a space for comfort and healing in the era of revolution in the Christian church, the 70th anniversary of new history."
Communion was held during the opening service and was led by Rev. Kim Eun Kyung along with Rev. Lee Jung Hoon (a pastor with disabilities), and Rev. Lim Da Som (a female pastor). As the first sharing of communion at a General Assembly in three years, this was a precious time that transcended all differences, generations, and genders in the world.
Additionally, the election of the new moderator and vice-moderator ended gracefully. A new special committee to address various issues and prepare for the upcoming church's 70th anniversary of new history was also established.
Rev. Kang Yeon Hong, the newly elected moderator of the 107th General Assembly, said, "In the post-COVID-19 era, 2023 is a valuable opportunity to mark the beginning of another 70 years at the 70th anniversary." He spoke of it being, "meaningful to serve as moderator at such an important time," and that he would, "work to restore the spirit of the PROK, help grow the church, and serve newly planted churches."
The biggest theme of this year's General Assembly was the environment. Resolutions focused on the recovery of the created world, bringing awareness to achieving carbon neutrality in the church, adopting a carbon-neutral roadmap, and implementing climate justice education were passed. In addition, during the General Assembly, prayer sessions for climate justice and the ecosystem were held. An Eco Campaign also took place for the duration of the Assembly, where the use of disposable products such as plastic water bottles and paper cups were restricted, and air conditioners were operated at a minimum.
