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International Lutheran Church, Seoul
Lutheran Church of Korea
National Council of Churches of Korea
The ELCA relates to one English-speaking
congregation in Korea, the International
Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the ELCA alternate
in supplying a pastor for this congregation. The church was founded in the early
1960s to provide Lutheran pastoral services to U.S. military and civilian
personnel and their dependents stationed in Seoul. In the early years, 90% of
the parish was military personnel and their families. However, in recent years
the congregation has increased its ministry to diplomatic and business
expatriate community, and now over two thirds of members are in this latter
category.
The International Lutheran Church provides the
full range of pastoral and support group activities. The congregation faces a
continuing challenge in the transiency of its members and leaders, but it has
been able to increase the amount of support it gives toward the salary of its
pastor as well as covering local expenses.
Lutheran work began in Korea in 1958 through the
missionary efforts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The mission developed
mass media programs, Christian literature, and social outreach work, and
initiated the training of pastors through its Lutheran Theological Academy.
Several congregations were started. The Lutheran
Church in Korea (LCK) was officially organized in 1971 with five
congregations, and it has been a member of the Lutheran World Federation since
1972.
Currently, the LCK has approximately 3,000
members in 25 congregations. It sponsors a Bible knowledge correspondence course
which has enabled over 700,000 people become more familiar with the Bible. Many
congregations have studied the Bethel Bible Course.
Luther Seminary grew out of the Lutheran
Theological Academy, which was begun in 1966. College level programs were
offered both during the day and in evening classes. In 1983, the seminary moved
to a new site and has expanded its facilities to meet the requirements of the
Ministry of Education for full accreditation. In 1998, the school became Luther
Theological University, with a record enrollment in both the college level and
the pastoral training graduate level.
The ELCA relates to Korean ecumenical issues
through the National Council of Churches in the U.S.A. and the National Council
of Churches of Korea. The basic goal of the NCCK is to unite the Korean churches
in the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the building of God=s new community of
justice, love and peace. The issue of the unification of North and South Korea
has been the focus of attention for the NCCK. Several consultations have been
held with representatives from both sides of the border. Rallies and other
public events are held to increase public understanding of the North and South
and to encourage the restoration of Korea as a single country. Christians pray
for a peaceful reunification of Korea in a society in which the values of both
North and South would be reconciled.
The ELCA also relates to Korea through support
of famine relief in North Korea through Lutheran World Relief. LWR supports
hunger, relief, and farm rehabilitation efforts in North Korea.
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