GS 2025 Article 109 – KPCA-K (Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin)

1.   Material

• 1.1    Committee for Ecumenical Relations (CER) Report 7: Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin (KPCA-K) (8.2.10.7).

2.   Admissibility

• 2.1    The report was declared admissible.
  • Grounds: It was mandated by the previous synod and was received on time.

3.   Observations

• 3.1    GS 2022 (art. 163) decided:
  • [3.1]    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • [3.1.1]    To continue dialogue with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America (Kosin) (KPCA-K) where feasible, with a view to getting to know the KPCA-K better over time;
    • [3.1.2]    To submit its report to the churches six months prior to the convening of the next general synod.
• 3.2    From the CER report, the following:
  • 3.2.1    Geographic presence: The KPCA-K is predominantly located in the USA. Currently, their website lists seven congregations in Canada: Toronto (3), Waterloo (1), Edmonton (1), and New Westminster/Surrey (2). Some of these congregations are quite small;
  • 3.2.2    The denomination remains predominantly Korean speaking. However, the CanRC has been blessed with the addition of Korean-speaking ministers to our federation, which could aid future communication;
  • 3.2.3    The KPCA-K is a member church of NAPARC and has close sister-church relationships with the KPCK (“mother church” in Korea). Our relationship with the KPCK has experienced renewed vigour (see report), which makes renewed contact with the KPCA-K here in North America realistic.
• 3.3    The CER recommends:
  • 3.3.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Contact with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin (KPCA-K) according to the adopted rules;
  • 3.3.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
    • 3.3.2.1   To convey this decision to the KPCA-K and attempt renewed contact with the KPCA-K through the regular NAPARC meetings;
    • 3.3.2.2   To submit its report on its activities with respect to the KPCA-K to the churches 6 months prior the convening of the next general synod.

4.   Considerations

• 4.1    The CER’s interactions with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin (KPCA-K) have been positive and constructive.
• 4.2    The KPCA-K is a member of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC).

5.   Recommendations

That Synod decide:

• 5.1    To continue Ecclesiastical Contact with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin (KPCA-K) according to the adopted rules;
• 5.2    To mandate the Committee on Ecumenical Relations (CER):
  • 5.2.1    To convey this decision to the Korean Presbyterian Church in America – Kosin (KPCA-K) and attempt renewed contact with the KPCA-K through the regular North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) meetings;
  • 5.2.2    To submit its report on its activities with respect to the KPCA-K to the churches no later than six (6) months prior the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED