Churches around the globe have been invited to join in a day of prayer for the “peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula” next month.
The theme for the day – which will be held on Sunday, 13th August – is based around Romans 14:19 – “Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding”.
The day, which comes two days before Koreans celebrate Liberation Day during which the peninsula’s liberation from Japanese colonisation is remembered, was organised by the Korean Christian Federation, of North Korea, and, the National Council of Churches in Korea, based in South Korea.
In a letter sent to member churches of the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, and Rev Dr Chris Ferguson, general secretary of the WCRC, have invited parishes and individuals to pray for the “reconciliation and healing of the divided Korean Peninsula”.
“We believe churches across the world can, through prayer, help foster an environment in which peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula can flourish,” they write. “Please join us in creating a spirit of cooperation and solidarity among the churches of the world as we recognise that peace on the Korean Peninsula is part of our worldwide pilgrimage of justice and peace.”
Materials for the day, including a prayer and order of service, can be downloaded from the WCC website.