Methodists Celebrate 20th Anniversary of the Korean American Clergywomen Association

By Pauline J. Chang

Diversity and gender equality is an integral part of the eight million member United Methodist Church. The August 3 celebration of the 20th anniversary of the National Association of Korean-American United Methodist Clergywomen exemplified both those characters of the church.

The Rev. Kyunglim Shin Lee, president of the association, explained how meaningful and symbolic the early August meeting was.

“These gatherings were very important to us because it was the only channel that we felt free to talk about our pain and struggles as women clergy in the Korean community,” said Shin.

According to the United Methodist News Service, President Bush also addressed the attendants, congratulating them for their endurance and accomplishments.

Shin Lee, who is the vice president of the United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary, said the Association grew 50-fold in the past two decades.

The organizing meeting included “two clergywomen and a few seminarians,” Shin Lee said. “Now we have 100 ordained women.”

The attendees of the conference wore ‘rainbow-colored stoles’ made of traditional Korean fabrics – a gift from the Association of Korean Clergywomen in Korea which will be celebrating its 50th reunion of the ordination of the first clergywoman in Korea next year. Members of the US-based organization have been invited to the celebration as well.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories