Ecumenical Century

The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 24, 2024. Over the past century, NCCK has been a leading force in promoting democracy, human rights, labor, and Korea unification movements, grounded in the principles of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation(JPIC). Its commitment to church unity and solidarity, which is rarely seen even in global church history, has been a defining feature of its mission.

The documentary <Ecumenical Century> provides a multidimensional look into the 100-year history of justice and peace led by Korean Christianity, with a focus on the NCCK.

Part 1: A History to be made

The documentary begins by revisiting the early Korean church, which practiced a rare level of unity and cooperation even by global church standards. It traces the progression from 'The General Council of Evangelical Missions in Korea(1905)' to 'The Korean Church Federal Council(Federation of Korean Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, 1918)', and finally to 'the Korean National Christian Council(1924)', the precursor to the NCCK.

The film delves into the groundbreaking Social Creed of 1932, analyzing how such a revolutionary statement came to be and tracing the roots of the Korean church's tradition of social engagement. It also highlights key moments in the history of Christian social movements, such as 'the Easter service at Namsan Incident', Thursday Prayer Meetings, the Human Rights Committee, and industrial mission efforts, all of which played pivotal roles in the struggle for democratization and human rights in Korea.

The compelling narrative is brought to life by the resonant voice of famous actor and church elder Kang Shin-il, offering a powerful and condensed account of these events.

Part 2: A Future to be remembered

This section reflects on the history and challenges of Korean Christian social/ecumenical movements from the mid-1980s to the present. It highlights the 1980s’ inter-Korean church exchanges, which laid the foundation for private sector unification movements. 'Korean Church's Declaration on the Unification and Peace of the Nation(1988)' that emerged from these exchanges became a shared asset not only for Christianity but for Korean society as a whole.

The documentary also uncovers the work of Christian youth activists, such as those involved in movements like the fight against gentrification, and reflects on the role of Christians in addressing contemporary social issues. It further commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 'Sewol Ferry Tragedy' by showcasing the work of Christians who stood in solidarity with the victims' families and other suffering individuals, raising profound questions about the role religion should play in society.