Unity and catholicity in the Korean Presbyterian Church : an ecumenical Reformed assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find a solution to a weak sense of unity and a weak ecclesiology in the Presbyterian Church in Korea (PCK) which is in serious disunity, divided into more than 200 denominations. This research has attempted to assess the unity and catholicity of the PCK using a Reformed criteria shaped through doctrinal affirmation on the basis of the exegesis of Ephesians, and the review of the two ecumenical creeds, the WCF and Calvin s ecumenicity in his Institutes and ecumenical efforts. For the historical investigation of the disunity and ecumenical efforts in the PCK, the three main schisms were examined, and the three leading pastors views on unity were analysed and assessed. Assessment of disunity in the PCK indicated three factors that obstruct the unity of the PCK: weak recognition of the Reformed view on unity, immaturity and secularisation of the PCK. The ecclesiology in relation to the unity of the PCK was analysed and assessed in its