Have you ever wondered about the roots of faith in a foreign land? The Korean Evangelical Covenant Church here in Chicago stands as a testament to such a journey. Established sometime after the heat of the Civil Rights movement, this church reflects the growing diversity within the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) itself. The ECC was formally founded in 1885 right here in Chicago by Swedish immigrants, known then as Mission Friends. They sought a place of worship free from the constraints of the state church they had left behind in Sweden. Initially comprised largely of Swedish Americans, the ECC began to transform in the years following World War II. The Korean Evangelical Covenant Church is a part of this larger story of transformation, joining other ethnically diverse congregations within the ECC. These churches, Korean, Latino, African American, and Asian American, represent a shift toward a more inclusive and representative body of Christ. The ECC recognizes the strength that comes from this diversity and strives to “be as big as the New Testament.” The Korean Evangelical Covenant Church, therefore, represents not just a place of worship for Korean Americans, but also a vital thread in the rich tapestry of the ECC’s ongoing evolution. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith to transcend cultural boundaries and unite people under a common belief in Christ.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one