Korean Pastor Suspended for Giving Blessing at a Queer Festival
I would think he understood the ramifications of giving the blessing prior to the festival, so his suspension shouldn’t be too surprising:
![Pastor Lee Dong-hwan throws petals into the air while giving a blessing on Aug. 31, 2019, at the second Incheon Queer Culture Festival. [YONHAP]](https://i0.wp.com/koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2020/11/24/a0956c9e-fdcc-49e3-be1f-614e0197672c.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
“A hundred years from now, the church will have changed. And when that time comes, I want you to be sure that you won’t be embarrassed of your own decisions. Don’t be a sinner in the face of history.”
Joong Ang Ilbo
When Pastor Lee Dong-hwan began to doubt his decision to give a blessing at the second Incheon Queer Culture Festival last year, his wife was the one who encouraged him to stand strong not only in the face of history, but also God.
On Aug. 31, 2019, Lee, who is part of the Korean Methodist Church, took to the stage of the queer festival, clad in a white robe to bless those in attendance, throwing flower petals and offering a prayer. Just three days afterward, he was required to attend a meeting at a gathering in Suwon, Gyeonggi, where his church is located.
A day later on Sept. 4, he was reported by the Incheon Pastor’s Gathering for Healthy Society (represented by Pastor Seong Jung-kyeong) and the Chungcheong Annual Conference of the Korean Methodist Church (represented by Pastor Lee Gu-il) to the Gyeonggi Annual Conference for violating the Book of Doctrines and Discipline by advocating and agreeing with homosexuality.
On Oct. 15 this year, he was sentenced to two years of suspension of duty by the Korean Methodist Church. He appealed that decision but a retrial date has yet to be set, leaving Lee in limbo as he cannot preach.
You can read more at the link.
The Bible states a number of currently unpopular things. Those who are responsible for sharing that message really need to pay attention. It’s not a buffet where you can pick and choose. And one assumes that Lee knew that.
If he wants to be a part of a denomination that celebrates any particular “sin”, I’m certain those exist. But to show up and indicate his own denomination does–in contrast with documents he has learned and even signed, is just dishonest.
Whether we agree or disagree with the stated position of that church is irrelevant. Lee agreed to be employed by them and as such he was obliged to follow their rules.
Link from their website:
www umc org/en/content/homosexuality-full-book-of-discipline-statements