The Rev. Won Hur learns the answer to “Where is God?” in his encounters with ministers facing painful challenges in South Korea.
Trigger warning: This post mentions suicide, which some people might find disturbing.
Theologians, preachers, and ordinary people ask, “Where is God?” This question never gets old. It can be asked in times of despair and sometimes out of genuine curiosity. Sometimes the answer comes like an unexpected gift.
I experienced this during my first visit to South Korea as the new Global Partnership Program Coordinator, Asia, for The United Church of Canada. The answer did not come during high-powered meetings with important ecumenical partners, but rather in my encounters with ministers who are facing painful challenges. These ministers were the Rev. Susanna Kim and the Rev. Dong Hwan Lee, who serve the most vulnerable people in Korea right now—LGBTQIA+ members.
Currently, there is widespread opposition to LGBTQIA+ individuals in Korea that is led by conservative churches. In one large denomination, ministers and theology students must sign an anti-LGBTQIA+ statement in order to remain in good standing. In another, the Korean Methodist Church suspended the Rev. Dong Hwan Lee for two years for supporting LGBTQIA+ people. After the two-year suspension, the Korean Methodist Church then excommunicated him in March 2024. With the help of human rights lawyers who worked pro bono, the Rev. Lee took his case to civil court and won. The church, however, appealed the decision, so the struggle continues.
The Rev. Susanna Kim recently began serving at Sumdol-Hyanglin Presbyterian Church in Seoul, Korea, an LGBTQIA+ and affirming church. The church was once led by the Rev. Bora Lim, a pioneer in ministry to the LGBTQIA+ community, who not only nurtured the community, but also mentored younger ministers. For her activism and scholarly work, the Rev. Lim was declared a heretic by a joint committee of South Korea’s 10 largest Protestant denominations. Tragically, due to immense pressure, hatred, and stress, the Rev. Lim took her own life in February 2023. She was only 54 years old. The Rev. Kim stepped into her role in the midst of a community grappling with shock and trauma. Some members have left the congregation, and others are reluctant to speak about the loss of their beloved minister. The community resembles the disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion, hiding in an upper room, fearful, shocked, and feeling a profound sense of loss.
Despite the sadness and the challenges that may lay ahead, the Rev. Susanna Kim and her colleague, the Rev. Dong Hwan Lee, have not given in to despair. Out of love for the people in their care, they are committed to serve, creating new programs, networking with other allies and clergy, offering counselling to those in need, and giving a voice to the voiceless. They are also eager to learn from the experiences and wisdom of The United Church of Canada’s leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community and affirming congregations. In their desire to pick up the pieces, to heal, and to serve, I saw the compassionate Spirit of God stirring within them.
What makes The United Church of Canada’s and global partners’ relationship unique is the mutual commitment to serving everyone, especially the most vulnerable people, those seeking hope and good news in a world of hurt. Both the Rev. Susanna Kim and the Rev. Dong Hwan Lee deeply appreciated the opportunity to share their stories, and they expressed gratitude for the support received.
Your gifts to Mission and Service enable solidarity, authentic partnership, and “Christ is with us” moments. It is a privilege to be in such meaningful partnerships.
—The Rev. Won Hur is Global Partnership Program Coordinator, Asia, in the Church in Mission Unit at the General Council Office.
You may also be interested in Together in Partnership—Sumdol Hyanglin Church and The United Church of Canada and No Church Can Expel God’s Love.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.