USPG were recently reunited in-person with our partners the Anglican Church of Korea (ACK). On 26 September, USPG’s Senior Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East, The Revd Davidson Solanki, attended the consecration of The Rt Revd Elijah Kim as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Seoul. Held at Seoul Anglican Cathedral, Cathedral Church of Saints Mary and Nicholas, the event was attended by leaders from Anglican churches across Southeast Asia including The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Myanmar and The Rt Revd Danald Jute, Bishop of Kuching Diocese in the Church of the Province Of South East Asia.
Although the Anglican Church of Korea is self-sustaining, the relationship between USPG and the province centers on theological education, including scholarships and initiatives like the Asian Theological Accompaniment Programme which focuses on strengthening collaboration among theological institutes across Asia.
The Anglican Church of Korea expressed their deep thanks to USPG for its ongoing support and partnership. USPG is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Anglican Church of Korea, which dates back to the late 1800s and The Rt Revd John Corfe, the first Anglican Bishop in Korea, who was affiliated with SPG (precursor to USPG).
During the visit, The Revd Solanki also had fruitful discussions with The Most Revd Onesimus Dong-Shin Park, the Bishop of Busan Diocese and Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea, The Revd Peter Choi, the Provincial of the ACK and with The Rev Dr Simon Ro, Dean of Sungkonghoe University, founded by the Anglican Communion in 1914. Matters related to strategy, vision and mission of the church were discussed and possible chances of collaboration were explored.
We look forward to a continued partnership with our sisters and brothers in Korea.