wfn.org | [UMNS-ALL-NEWS] UMNS# 056-World Methodist Conference set for July in

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

World Methodist Conference set for July in South Korea

Jan. 30, 2006

NOTE: Photographs and a logo are available at http://umns.umc.org.

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) - Methodists from the far corners of the
earth will come together July 20-24 in Seoul, South Korea, for the 19th
World Methodist Conference.

"All Methodists worldwide have been invited to join with their Korean
Methodist brothers and sisters in attending this momentous event and in
praying with the Korean Methodists for peace in their land and for the
reunification of the Korean peninsula," said the Rev. George Freeman,
top staff executive of the World Methodist Council.

The assembly is the only event that specifically brings together people
from all of the world's Wesleyan traditions. The theme will be "God in
Christ Reconciling."

"This theme will be the focus of our time together each day," Freeman
said. "We look forward to the gathering of believers in the
Methodist/Wesleyan family and to the things which God will cause to
happen as a result of this conference."

Conference sessions will be held in the 10,000-seat Kum Nan Methodist
Church. The gathering will open with a 400-voice choir and full
orchestra from Korean Methodist churches. A procession of
representatives carrying banners from many of the 130 countries where
Methodist and Uniting Church Christians live will wind its way to the
altar.

Delegates will have an opportunity to become better acquainted through
five days of Bible studies and messages brought by Methodist leaders
from Ireland, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the United States, Israel, South Korea,
South Africa, Singapore.

Gillian Kingston, a lay pastor from the Methodist Church of Ireland and
chairperson of the program committee, said discussion and sharing that
will take place in seminars and workshops will focus on crucial issues
facing Methodists worldwide: ecumenism and dialogue; education; world
evangelism; family life; social and international affairs; theological
education; worship and liturgy; and youth.

"The uniqueness of Christianity will be apparent as participants gather
in seminars Saturday afternoon," she said.

On a daily basis, the program will reflect some of the diversity of the
world's cultures. On July 21, the Korean Church will present Korean
Cultural Night, with music and dance from the host country.

Michael Tan, from the Methodist Church Singapore, has designed the
conference logo, which represents the four corners of the earth in the
shape of the cross. The logo and theme symbolize the reconciliation that
God offers all humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.

The conference, representing 76 denominations with roots in the
Methodist movement, meets every five years. The last gathering was held
in Brighton, England, in July 2001.

Information on the conference is available by contacting the World
Methodist Council, P.O. Box 518, Lake Junaluska, N.C. 28745, or going to
www.worldmethodistcouncil.org. Travel details are available by calling
Travelink at (800) 227-5680 or (828) 252-8484 or going online to
www.travelinkonline.com.

*The World Methodist Council provided information for this report.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470
or newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org

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