Our Sister Church: DongKwang

Partners in faith in Christ; friends in sorrow and laughter; advocates in justice and peace: these are the hallmarks of sister churches in Seattle and Seoul.

In 2004 Cathy Barker, Senior Minister at Magnolia United Church of Christ, had the opportunity to visit the East Seoul Synod of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) with a delegation from the Pacific Northwest Conference. She met Chang, Bin, Senior Minister of the DongKwang Church in Seoul.

Cathy and Bin shared theological reflection and found exciting common ground. Bin was fascinated by photos of Magnolia’s use of art in worship. Cathy was impressed by DongKwang’s deep commitment to prayer. Each pastor pondered a sister church relationship.

Why would a strong 220-member American UCC church partner with a strong 1200-member PROK church? The response comes brimming with hope: Imagine what we can learn from each other! How our perspective on the world will change! Imagine what global mission we can undertake with combined energy and resources!

In 2006 the two churches covenanted to “serve each other in the Holy Spirit, believing it is in harmony with God’s will for them to be partners in the mission of spreading the Good News.” Through delegation visits, sharing pastoral prayers and children’s art, and exchanging gifts, they have embarked on a journey that may lead them into uncharted waters.