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.”
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
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.
More news from the Assembly
President reflects at the close of the WCRC General Council
Reflection from the President: persevere in our witness President Rev Charissa Suli reflects at the close of the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council, which closed on Thursday after 10 days in Chiang Mai written by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia It has been almost a week since…
Reflection: Conference of our Zimbabwean siblings
Faith, culture and community celebrated Attending the annual conference of the Australia and Oceania Fellowship of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe deepened Rev Kath Behan’s understanding of cross-cultural partnership and God’s boundless familyby Rev Kath Behan, National Consultant with The AssemblyIn late September, I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Australia…
This is my Uniting Church: Westbourne Park Uniting Church
This is my Uniting Church Westbourne Park Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Westbourne Park Uniting Church, located…
Position available: National Manager - Media and Communications
The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to manage implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence, and public representation.Subscribe to our newsletterIf…
UCA active and visible at WCRC General Council
UCA delegation renewed to perservere in their witness After playing a prominent role at the WCRC’s General Council, the UCA delegation heads home renewed and uplifted by the shared witness and unity of the gatheringThe Uniting Church in Australia has played an active and visible role at the 27th General Council of the World Communion…
Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community
Val Thurston: Bringing heart, help and happiness to her community Op shops have been part of Australian culture for 100 years. At Corrimal Uniting’s shop, volunteer Val Thurston welcomes with warmth all who walk inThis month marks a remarkable milestone in Australian history: the 100th anniversary of the humble op shop. Once viewed as a…
Fun, fellowship and faith at Vic/Tas family camp
Fun, faith and fellowship as President joins with faith communities for family camp The President joined with families in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania for a weekend family camp on the theme ‘Threads of Inclusion’, inspired by the President’s theme for the trienniumThis article was originally published by Crosslight in the Synod of Victoria…
Changing lives through generosity
Changing lives through generosity Rev Dr Paul Goh recently saw first hand the impact of loving hearts giving generously During his current visit to Thailand as a member of the Uniting Church’s delegation for the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ General Council, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh has shared in a unique presentation hosted…