“Did you know that the Presbyterian Church of Korea wasn’t always a single entity?”
Right here we stand before what might seem like just another church. But it’s a location tied to a complex history. Let’s unravel the story of the Presbyterian Church of Korea. It has roots stretching back to the late 19th century.
The seeds of Presbyterianism were sown in Korea. This happened through the efforts of missionaries and converted Koreans. Some historians trace the origin to Sorae Church. It was established in the early 1880s by Seo Sang-ryun. Others point to Saemoonan Church. American missionary Horace Grant Underwood founded it in 1887.
Full-scale missions started 20 years later. Horace Newton Allen, a physician, was admitted into the royal court of Joseon. In 1885, Underwood and John W. Heron arrived. They established the Korean mission church for the Northern Presbyterian Church.
The Presbyterian Church of Korea first emerged as an independent body in 1907. Before this, various missionary groups operated somewhat independently. They later unified to form a cohesive Korean Presbyterian Church.
Early on, the church faced challenges during the Japanese colonial period. Initially, relationships were peaceful. But tensions rose. Korean Presbyterians were often suspected of political activism. They were arrested and persecuted. Restrictions were placed on evangelist activities. Schools faced pressure to discontinue Bible studies.
Despite these hardships, the church played a role in the March First Movement of 1919. Christians sought Korean independence. The persecutions increased. Properties were destroyed. Many Presbyterians were arrested.
After World War II, Korean Presbyterianism was reconstructed in 1947. It adopted the name the Reformed Church in Korea.
However, the mid-20th century brought theological and political disputes. These led to several schisms within the Presbyterian Church of Korea. In the 1950s, divisions arose over issues like theology, ecumenism, and worship.
One major split occurred regarding bowing to Shinto shrines. This was controversial under Japanese rule. Those who opposed it formed the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin) in 1951. Another division in 1953 led to the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (KiJang).
The most significant schism happened in 1959. It divided the church into the Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap) and the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong). The main issue was joining the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Today, many branches use the name Presbyterian Church of Korea. Each has its own history and theological emphasis. Some separated from the PCK.
So, standing before this church consider its place within this larger narrative. It is part of a community. It reflects the complex story of Korean Presbyterianism. It is a journey marked by faith, division, and the ongoing pursuit of unity.