Korean National Conference celebrates 50 years of faith and ministry
The 2025 gathering was filled with fellowship and encouragement, as well as recognition of the Korean community’s invaluable contribution to the wider church body
October 8, 2025
by Rev Myung Hwa Park, Outgoing Chair of the Korean National Conference
The Korean National Conference, one of the longest and largest national gatherings within the Uniting Church in Australia, took place at United Theological College in Sydney last week. The 2025 conference was not only a time of fellowship and reflection but also a celebration of 50 years of Korean ministry within the life of the Church.
More than 60 participants, including both Korean and non-Korean members of the Uniting Church, gathered at UTC – the institute where over 40 Korean ministers have been trained to serve as Uniting Church ministers. It was fitting that this historic celebration took place in a place so deeply connected with the formation and growth of Korean ministry in Australia.
The origins of the Korean Uniting Church trace back to Melbourne in 1973 and Sydney in 1974, four years before the inauguration of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977. Over the past five decades, the Korean church has faithfully contributed to the wider mission of the UCA, embodying the Church’s call to be a multicultural and intercultural community.
A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Mrs Seongja Yoo-Crowe, one of the pioneers and early advocates for multicultural ministry within the UCA. Her reflections on the early days of the Korean churches reminded participants of the Church’s prophetic vision in embracing diversity and inclusion, which led to a statement that we are a multicultural church in 1985.
“While much of the conference was dedicated to remembering the past, the heart of the gathering looked toward the future of Korean ministry in Australia.”
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The Jubilee also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK). The presence of the newly installed PROK President, Rev Jong Wha Lee, and his wife added a special dimension to the celebration, highlighting the commitment to God’s mission between UCA and PROK.
While much of the conference was dedicated to remembering the past, the heart of the gathering looked toward the future of Korean ministry in Australia. The theme for this year focused on the next generation and emerging leaders within the Korean community. To inspire this vision, Rev Joanna Drayton, Rev Glen Spencer, and Rev James Baker from the Pulse Team of Uniting Mission and Education (UME) facilitated a vibrant discussion on the mission and faith formation of Korean young adults.
While lively conversation on future generation was on, the rest of the participants were experiencing healing in the talk by Mrs Kyo Ah Chung, a Korean Counsellor based in Melbourne.
They were joined by Rev Alimoni (Moni) Taumoepeau, Team Leader for Intercultural Ministry and Climate Action, who led a panel discussion on intercultural leadership and how we can collaboratively work together to celebrate the gifts of diversity.
No Korean gathering would be complete without the joyful sharing of food and song – and the K-food and K-hymns were, of course, among the delightful parts of the event. Deep appreciation was expressed to the Korean Uniting Churches in Sydney for generously preparing meals throughout the three days, and to Rev Dr Peter Walker, former Principal of United Theological College, and the General Secretary of the Synod of NSW and ACT, for his steadfast support of the Korean National Conference and its ongoing ministry.
As the conference drew to a close, members elected Rev Dr Kevin Kim and Rev Mike You to lead the Korean National Conference into its next chapter. Their appointment marks another significant step in the ongoing journey of the Korean National Conference to fulfil its calling as a truly multicultural and intercultural church – one that celebrates the richness of its diversity while remaining united in Christ’s love.
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