United Christian Churches of Korea New Year’s Message: "Encouragement Over Criticism, Love Over Condemnation"

New Year’s Message from President Kim Jeongseok

On December 29, the United Christian Churches of Korea emphasized in its New Year’s message, “Let us dwell in the unchanging light of truth amid this era of chaos.”

In the New Year’s message issued under the name of Kim Jeongseok, President of the United Christian Churches of Korea, the organization diagnosed that “today, our society is threatened by selfishness and extreme confrontation amid rapidly changing international circumstances and complex crises.” It further encouraged, “We hope that every church in this land will become a community of hope that bears witness to the light of truth and life to the world, and fulfills its calling for timely reflection and communal responsibility.”

The message continued, “We must go beyond conflict and walk the path of reconciliation, becoming one in Christ.” It emphasized, “We hope that the Korean church will choose encouragement over criticism, love over condemnation, and demonstrate the beautiful and virtuous values of unity and harmony.”

It also called for the healing of neighbors’ wounds through concrete acts of love. President Kim stated, “Love exerts even greater power when the mind, heart, and hands are united.” He stressed, “When the Korean church pursues peace and reconciliation in the midst of conflict, and serves the world with humility and love, it will grow into a holy community that reveals the glory of God.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.