On Reformation Sunday, 27 October, about 1.1 million South Korean Christians gathered outside Seoul City Hall (another 1 million Christians joined online) to worship and advocate for Christian values.
The event, marking the 107th anniversary of the Reformation, served as both an outdoor worship service and a demonstration against proposed anti-discrimination legislation, which includes protections for same-sex relationships. The Christian community in South Korea has expressed strong support for traditional family values and voiced concerns over the potential impact of the legislation.
A rally against anti-discrimination legislation
The proposed law, intended to promote anti-discrimination principles, aims to address gender identity and recognise same-sex relationships. However, this legislation has become a contentious issue for South Korean Christians, who worry it may restrict their religious freedoms. Many argue that the policy mirrors similar laws in Western countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, which they believe have led to a decline in religious freedoms. Korean Christians contend that these laws result in ‘reverse discrimination,’ citing examples of religious challenges faced by Western Christians in countries with similar policies.
The service began with prayers, worship, and messages from pastors of various denominations. The chief organiser, Revd Dr Jung-Hyun ‘John’ Oh, senior pastor of SaRang Church, emphasised unity in obedience to God’s word, seeking spiritual revival for individuals and families across South Korea.
Among the event’s international speakers, Revd Dr Bryan Chapell, President Emeritus of Covenant Seminary in St Louis, Missouri, lamented what he described as a departure from Christian roots in many Western countries. He urged the congregation to remain committed to living according to Christian principles, emphasising the power of prayer to inspire cultural and social transformation. Andrea Williams, Director of Christian Concern in the UK, echoed these sentiments, discussing how the decline in Biblical values and the church’s growing complacency in the UK have contributed to the erosion of the nuclear family and religious freedoms. International guests encouraged Korean Christians to stay vigilant and united in prayer to avoid similar societal challenges.
The event also served as a call for the South Korean government to reconsider the court ruling over the National Health Insurance Services, and to avoid enacting laws that could jeopardise family and societal dynamics.
