International Conference on Peace and Reconciliation

In search of a common identity: the Korean peninsula and other contexts

York St John University, 15-18 August 2006

This event, which attracted about 160 people from 15 countries, was organised by the Theology and Religions Section of York St John University and sponsored by Youngnak Presbyterian Church, Seoul, who sent a large delegation. The perspective was mainly from Christian theology and the emphasis was on the participation of Christian churches to peace and reconciliation in Korea.

Seven plenary speakers gave perspectives from the German churches’ experience (Gerhard Sauter, University of Bonn), the history of the Korean churches (Prof. In Soo Kim, Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary, Seoul), international politics (Prof. Jung Sun Noh, Yonsei University, Seoul), interfaith dialogue (Dr Israel Selvanayagam, University of Birmingham), biblical studies (Prof. Chee Pang Choong, Fudan University, China), the Northern Irish situation (Dr Cecelia Clegg, University of Edinburgh), and Christian mission in conflict zones (Prof. Robert Schreiter, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago). A large number of papers were submitted, which included additional geographical areas – India-Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Assam, and Taiwan – and other disciplinary perspectives. The conference concluded with two very stimulating panel discussions, in which the plenary speakers were challenged to apply themselves to the practical problems facing reconciliation initiatives in Korea.

The conference was planned as the first of a series of three, which will take place in different centres around the world. It is hoped these will also include North Korean perspectives. The plenary papers and other selected contributions of this conference are currently being edited for publication by Professor Sebastian C.H. Kim and colleagues at York St John.

Dr Kirsteen Kim, University of Birmingham

November 2006