A very special cross, constructed from materials at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, just arrived at the World Methodist Museum at Lake Junaluska.
Presented to Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, at the recent Council and Steering Committee meetings in Seoul, those attending from around the world were moved by the symbolism. “The cross of these materials is a reminder of the need to break down barriers and walls and to work toward peace and justice for all people,” explained Jackie Bolden who participated in the meeting. “As Christians and part of the more than 80 denominations of Methodists, we are reminded that we have one creator and must find meaningful ways to reconcile.
“The Museum is honored to have this sculpture on display and we welcome everyone to come by and see it and take a few moments to pray for the Korean peninsula as well as our hurting world,” Bolden added. It was presented to the Council by the Korean Methodist Church.
The plaque on the base reads: “This cross is made from parts of the railroad that connects Seoul station (South Korea) and Shinuiji station (North Korea), and barbed wire from the Korean War armistice line, and symbolizes hope for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the reunification of the two Koreas.
It continues with scripture from Ephesians 2:14. ‘For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.’ “
A resolution by the Council recognizes with hope the momentous inter-Korean and international progress in 2018 toward peace on the Korean peninsula. It celebrates those who are involved in promulgating and advancing the current steps toward a permanent peace, including progress toward denuclearization.
It notes that the World Methodist Council calls on our member churches to affirm and earnestly pray for the forthcoming Roundtable for Peace on the Korean Peninsula, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, November 9-11, 2018, acknowledging the timely role of the Roundtable. This meeting is for further constructing and promoting a theology of peace and reconciliation, deepening the Methodist church role in securing the peace, and helping bring to fruition renewed and increased direct humanitarian collaborations with our North Korean sisters and brothers; and for all peoples, advancing toward a permanent peace not only for the Korean peninsula but also the world.Methodist officers are from around the world, and include the Rev. Dr. Jong Chun Park who is Council President. He thanks everyone for their prayers for Korea, noting it is every more important and personal to him as he does not want his grandchild to grow up in a divided country.
