PELITA - The Methodist Church Newsletter
Listed below are articles abstracted from past issues of PELITA
September 2006 - God in Christ Reconciling
19th World Methodist Conference
July 20-24, 2006
Kum Nan Methodist Church
Seoul, South Korea
"… in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, to be reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:19-20), NRSV).
At the invitation of the Korean Methodist Church under the leadership of its presiding Bishop Kyoung-Ha Shin, the 19th World Methodist Conference was held in Seoul, Korea from July 20-24 2006. Gathered together at the Kum Nan Methodist Church were delegates from more than eighty countries worldwide to reflect on the theme 'God in Christ Reconciling'. This theme of 'reconciliation' was inspired in part by the Korean Methodist Church's invitation to come to Korea and join them in praying for peace and unification of the Korean peninsula.
"The purpose of the World Methodist Conference, held every five years, is to help realize a wider awareness and support for the ministries in which the Methodist/Wesleyan family is involved, and help establish unity within the Body of Christ. Its purpose is inspirational, educational and fraternal in nature. Matters of an administrative or executive nature are determined by the vote of the World Methodist Council. While the Conference is not a legislative body, it may from time to time be asked to vote on matters as submitted by the Council."
Thirty-four delegates led by Bishop Hwa Yung represented The Methodist Church in Malaysia. We stayed together at a hotel, and commuted daily via underground train, a long walk then a bus to Kum Nan Methodist Church for the Conference proceedings. The walks were good exercise, especially for those who lacked this in their daily routine back in Malaysia. Korean hospitality was ebullient, warm and friendly, and the lunch and tea breaks provided were ample.
In addition to physical food, the daily diet of keynote addresses and bible studies were a feast. All the speakers were well-informed, experienced and inspiring.
Dr. J.C. Park (Korean Methodist Church) began, dressed in traditional colourful Korean costume, as if to highlight the multihued community of Christ gathered from all over the world. He spoke on the theme, emphasizing the heartfelt pain and prayerful desire of all Koreans for unification of the Korean peninsula.
Bishop Robert Solomon from the Methodist Church in Singapore spoke on 'Reconciliation among the Nations'. In his talk, he explored the concept of nations, the reasons for breaks between nations, and looked at possible ways of reconciliation, especially the role of the church. "God is interested in all forms of reconciliation. Reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel".
Bishop Mvume Dandela's address focused on 'Reconciliation in Society'. The former presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in South Africa and current General Secretary of the All-Africa Council of Churches spoke out of the emergence from the dark days of apartheid. He proclaimed, "We need to realize that forgetting our history is not an option. Rather we forgive in spite of the painful memories. Healed, transformed memory is the basis for reformed living, an informed future and the prevention of recurrences of the same".
Other keynote speakers were Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia (General Secretary of the World Council of Churches and a member of the Methodist Church of Kenya) and Dr. Evelyn Parker (Southern Methodist University, USA). Dr. Parker in looking at 'Reconciliation and the Individual', paid particular emphasis on the restoration of victims and victimizers.
The Bible study leaders were: Rev. Dr. Duleep Fernando (Methodist Church in Sri Lanka), on 'God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself' and Eph. 2:11-22; Rev. Trevor Hudson (Methodist Church in South Africa), Rom. 8:22-27; and Rev. Dr. Heather M. E. Morris (Methodist Church in Ireland), 'Reconciliation in Society', Mk. 12:28.
I especially enjoyed the message by Dr. Morris. Against a backdrop of the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, she spoke simply, gently yet so powerfully and moved my heart. She began by reminding us that stories tell about our lives and shape our lives. Then she asked, "What is the story of Jesus?" Her answer was "costly, lowly service". Jesus was not only 'the miracle-worker' but 'the Christ crucified' for us. And Christians, in emulating Christ, cannot do reconciliation safely behind closed doors. Reconciliation has often to be done outside, in dangerous places.
As befitting singing Methodists, the 19th WMC was also a celebration of harmony of all kinds of sounds and voices, a symbol of the harmony that can be achieved in society in the hands of God, the divine conductor! The controlled riot of colour, sound and motion was a veritable feast, of international class.
There were traditional dances, choirs of children, school teenagers, pastors, pastors' wives, lay elders and theological students and various bands ranging from traditional Korean to classical and brass pop band.
A particular highlight was the presentation by the members of the Seoul Methodist Church of the Deaf and Hallelujah Sign Language Choir - singing in silence, with sign language and dancing that was a really moving experience.
I journeyed to Korea a conscripted and reluctant delegate. I returned a grateful pilgrim. Our Three-in-One God gave me opportunities to make new friends, renew and deepen fellowship with fellow Malaysian Methodists from the different Conferences, separated by ethnicity and language but united as one Methodist Church in Malaysia.
Our Creator God treated me to a fiesta of song, dance and music, giving me a glimpse of what worship can be - diverse multitudes in rhythm, with one heart and one voice. And our Sending God reminded me again of the simple yet profound heart of the Gospel - 'God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself' and I am called to be his ambassador, everywhere calling people to be reconciled to God in Christ and to one another.
Praise be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Three-in-One God!
Dr. Samuel B.L. Ong
Associate Lay Leader
TRAC