Morning Calm in Westminster Abbey, London

I attended Westminster Abbey sung Eucharist commemorating the 120th anniversary of the consecration of Charles John Corfe First Bishop of Korea.

The current Bishop of Seoul, Paul Kim, was the preacher - He spoke of Corfe a naval chaplain leaving a peaceful life in England to go to the wilderness of Korea in 1889. and the huge responsibility of creating something out of nothing. He was impressed by his 'faith, passion for mission and commitment' and this has in turn inspired the Korean Anglican church to 'listen to the cries for help of others' and to 'join hands with brothers and sisters in Asia'. The church has taken 'small steps to walk in Bishop Corfe's shoes'.

I was in Korea last month hearing about those small steps as the Korean International Mission (KIM) is forging relationships with Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines as well as China. This is in addition to Korean priests serving in Japan, USA, Canada, UK, Zimbabwe N Cyprus and Mongolia. These are bold steps in the same pioneering spirit as Corfe.

The service had its moments of inspiration - as the choir sung the Gloria and later Agnes Dei - and my eyes were lifted to the huge stained glass rose window, a moment of 'morning calm' in the midst of a general busyness

I discovered that our very own Bishop of Guildford, Christopher Hill is the Vice-President of the Korean Mission Partnership which was formed to support this historic initiative of the founding and nurture of the Korean Anglican Church. Their magazine newsletter is called 'Morning Calm' - their August edition is downloadable as a pdf. You can also read about the history of Anglican in Corea (not a spelling mistake)

Afterwards we had wine and nibbles in the Abbey Museum courtesy of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey surrounded by Kings and Queens of England. An opportunity to mingle and meet the many Korean guests, for whom this was a very special occasion.

Korea is also known as the 'Land of Morning Calm'

Nanum house of sharing Seoul

some pictures from Nanum house of sharing Seoul Korea

Shalom House Migrant worker centre SEOUL

 

'Migrant workers are our neighbours who we must embrace as our friends'

Shalom House is a part of the Namyangju Anglican church of Korea. Since the 1990s migrant workers from at least 15 countries have gone to Korea in search of their dream in Namyangju area around 1500 workers 

Run buy Colombo Kim,  in his tweed jacket he looked every bit a private eye. He certainly has a heart for justice and has been imprisoned as a result of protesting on behalf of migrants.  
This extensive centre ministers to Filipinos, Nepalese, Pakistanis, Indian and many others.They run Computer classes,   Korea language,   Fitness Gym, Hobby centre,  medical clinic, dental clinic,   physical therapy,  shelter for men plus another for  women and children.  Also a drop in centre selling clothes (fixed price 1000 Wan – less than a dollar) a library and resource centre with artefacts from Nepal Indonesia and Philippines as a cultural museum. 

I was particularly struck by the church where they ring the bell when the police come looking for illegal immigrants - resounding solidarity.

It would be a great place for a short term worker teaching English and also possibilities for English speaking clergy Accommodation and food can be provided

Afterwards we visited a Lent group in the home of the Shalom driver.   We sat on the floor in their flat and Rev Paul Koh conducted a simple service and then we ate food - many dishes in honour of the centre and its committed clergy and staff. A wonderful family atmosphere. And great food! 

Sungkonghoe Anglican University Seoul

I was able to visit the Anglican Sungkonghoe University in Seoul on this trip to Korea. As ever the hospitality was overwhelming. 

Originally founded in 1914 as St Michael's theological school,  it was closed in 1940 due to students' refusal to accept and follow Japanese religious customs. It reopened in 1982 and developed into a university in 1987. Maybe it was the opposition to the Japanese regime that underlined the University’s commitment to civil rights and world peace:

‘we cultivate Christian Humanity in students that enables them to practice a spirit of openness, sharing and service. We encourage students to be independent and open-minded….to share with others ….to serve others first’

I was impressed with the wide range of courses on offer: 

Langauges - English, Japanese, Chinese;   Social welfare; Theology; media and communication; Glocal (global and local) IT; college of Asian Civil Society; democracy and social movement institute - 

And also the resources centres available online: 

NGO Resource Center  

Asian Archives Center  

Democracy Resource Center     

Institute for East Asian Studies 

Institute for the Aged 

Silver Institute for Social Welfare 

Welfare Labour History Research Center 

In addition there are a number of related institutes:  

Institute of Church Music, 

Center for Culture and Information Studies 

Institute for Study of theology;    

Management and Distribution Research Institute;    

Research centre for social enterprise
Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternatives Center  (ARENA)   

Academy of democratic society and policy 

The university has a library of 150,000 volumes, with 2000 undergraduates and 500 post graduates research students from Asia (including 100 theology students). 

The University has a good reputation for developing indigeous Asia thinking and has pioneered a lot of innovative work in Asia. One such emphasis is on leadership development in Asia-Pacific students from Korea Japan and China.  In addition windows have been 'opened' on India Philippines, China and Russia.

I was attending a presentation on vision of Asia Mission and Theology centre. Particularly impressive has been the new development  Masters in Asian NGO management (MAINS) in 2007 including  theology and sociology a development of their NGO studies course. It was also interesting to hear that a number of staff had stayed at CMS's Crowther Hall and studied at the University of Birmingham.

Sunghkonghoe University is also part of CUAC -  Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion.   I was also interested to see they are linked to other CUAC unverities, including 2 other East Asian universities I have visited:   St Johns University in Taiwan  and Poole Gaukin University in Osaka Japan 

Korean Hospitality is out of this world..... 

The Soul of Asia

This was my forth trip to Seoul and its growing on me. I picked up a small booklet produced by lonely planet at the Korean air check in Counter. It’s called ‘Seoul Asia’s hidden treasure’

It is full of tourist hype

‘Way back in the 20th century, Seoul was a bustling Metropolis looking to make its mark on the world stage. With unbridled energy, spirited passion and a sense of identity forged by its own Asian mystique and 21st century dreams of peace and prosperity, Seoul can now claim place as one of the world’s great cities. It’s nothing like you expected and everything you hoped for.’

The booklet tries tackle what it calls 3 myths about Seoul 

(a) Its expensive 

(b) Language is a barrier   

(c) Seoul is just another Asian Mega city. 

In some way all 3 myths are true, and I have certainly thought them myself. It’s certainly a lot more expensive than many Asian cities, although as the book points out, affordable options are available and good food can be had on a tight budget. I find that like in many other Asian cities, a lot of people do speak some English, but getting around can be very confusing. And there are many places where English is not spoken and yes, that is either an barrier or an opportunity. But if Seoul is really going to make it on the world stage then presumably it needs to embrace the Global Market language. Or is that my prejudice shining through? Seoul is BIG, (some 10 million) it is fast paced and there is a lot of concrete around. The buildings are huge and plentiful. Its also a very useful and vibrant commercial hub in East Asia

And there is so much that breaks out of the urban jungle, like flowers in the cracks -the courtesy and hospitality, the tradition and culture, and a sense of vitality and drive. And the food is so exotic and varied and interesting (except for sea cucumbers - Yuk!) But bulgogi (barbequed beef) and Soju (a sort of rice vodka) - Yummy! And a sense of gentile sophistication and artistic appreciation. Which is why, I suppose, the tourist board posers advertise Seoul as the ‘soul of Asia’.

Not far from the Anglican Cathedral (and the British embassy) where I was staying in a peaceful Convent. is Changdeokgung Palace with it daily changing of the guard. A colourful, musical extravaganza of traditional dress and ceremony. Pomp and circumstance. And within the palace peaceful gardens and traditional wooden buildings and slate roofs. I visited last time I was here and then I also visited the Chong Dong theatre and its cultural show with its astounding synchronized Korean drumming.

One place I really love to walk is along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.     A revitalization effort by an enlightened city council, 6km of roadway was dismantled and the stream uncovered and then sculptured and developed into an urban ecological park. At one end in Cheonggye Plaza there is a Fountain Waterfall and after dark light show. Gardens, grasses, bridges, stepping stones, even an underground art gallery, the stream winds its way though the city amidst High rise buildings, but for the length of the walk you are transported into an tranquil green wonderland.

I think every city should have one

Asia Updates: January 2009

KOREA : New Bishop’s plans

The Rt. Rev. Paul Kim will be installed as the 5th bishop of Seoul on 15th January. His grandfather was martyred during the Korean War when he remained in his parish in the area of communist rule. His father was also an Anglican pastor. He studied at a seminary in Toronto.
His theme after 8 years' of ministry is said to be 'church growth' and 'mission abroad'. It is compared to the 3rd bishop who stressed on 'church planting', and the 4th bishop who drove to 'ecumenical dialogue' and 'TOPIK – humanitarian support to North Korea'. 

The blue print of mission from the diocese is summarized in the booklet of the diocesan synod in 22 November 2008: "The diocese of Seoul sent about ten pastors to the Japanese Anglican Church, and will continue to send two or three pastors every year. A series of discussion is needed with CMS who has set one of their centers in Seoul and also some dioceses in US, to draw a plan to send young pastors, evangelist and lay MPs to do diverse ministry in diverse areas … To set a network of pastors and MPs and supporters; To partner with CMS, to set a policy of mission abroad; To form strong supporters at the level of parishes, organizations and groups; To have more close relationship with Korean pastors who work in other country"

This plan shows that he is open to CMS as a partner who can make the plan work. He invites CMS as the way of forming the policy of his ministry concerning oversee.……. If the new bishop is pursuing church growth, then Alpha Clergy, Diakonia Training Center and Cross Station will be the key groups for his ministry, and the results will strengthen the contents of mission.
‘To deliver the heat of Jesus' love, a flame should be started. I feel morning calm in Seoul. Harmony overwhelms discords.’                          Rev Simon



PAKISTAN: Priest Kidnapped 

“A priest of the Diocese of Peshawar, Rev. Tanzeel Zafar, has been kidnapped on his way home from the Diocesan Centre, Peshawar. 

Rev. Tanzeel Zafar is the Priest-In-charge of Charsadda and Shabqadar parish and is also Assistant in Mardan Parish, N.W.F.P. He left St. John’s Cathedral for his home in Swati Gate, on Friday afternoon. 

However, he did not reach there.”

(Frontier News Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan January 09)

UPDATE: ‘We wish to thank God Almighty that last evening (Sunday 11 January 2009) at about 8.00 p.m., the above named Priest was thrown by his abductors at the gates of St. John's Cathedral Church, 1-Sir Syed Road, Peshawar Cantt: He was immediately rushed to Lady Reading Hospital and given emergency treatment. He is deeply traumatized and has been severely beaten.

GAZA:  Love and the Enemy 

The events in Israel and GAZA have dominated the news. Tanas shares his response:

This morning as I sat down to have my breakfast, I switched on the television to watch the news of the Gaza crisis. As I watched what is happening, with many women and children been killed, schools destroyed and houses turned to rubble, my heart broke and tears filled my eyes. Violence is increasing on both sides, more Israeli soldiers are getting killed, many of the Israelis who live close to the Gaza border are in fear and it seems like more people are getting angrier, losing hope and wanting revenge. …

.…. in my role with CMS I am trying to respond in a creative way and find ways to help Christians in the region work together in mission. I have Palestinian friends losing loved ones. I have Jewish friends being called up into the army. I do not want to take sides, I want to be on Jesus’ side and have others join me. Yes, there are injustices that we need to address. But we need to learn how to address them with love. Only Jesus can help us act out his toughest commandment:                 “Love your enemy.”