Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap): History, Structure, and Global Impact
The Presbyterian Church of Korea, commonly referred to as Tonghap (or Yejang Tonghap), stands as a major mainline Protestant denomination in South Korea. With a massive global presence, it currently holds the distinction of having the second-largest membership of any Presbyterian denomination in the world.
Rooted in the Reformed tradition, the denomination is characterized by its Presbyterian polity—a form of church government led by elders—and its commitment to ecumenical relations, which seek to foster unity among different Christian traditions.
Key Facts
- Denomination Type: Protestant (Presbyterian)
- Theology: Reformed
- Total Members: Approximately 2,554,227
- Total Congregations: 9,190
- Global Standing: Second largest Presbyterian denomination worldwide
- Core Affiliations: World Council of Churches (WCC) and World Communion of Reformed Churches
Historical Evolution and Schisms
The history of the Presbyterian Church in Korea is marked by significant periods of division, often stemming from theological disagreements, political pressures, and views on ecumenism.
The Impact of Japanese Rule
The roots of modern divisions can be traced back to the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea. A major controversy arose when university students were instructed to bow to Shinto shrines during worship. While some complied, many Christians at the Pyongyang Theological Seminary resisted, viewing the act as a violation of biblical principles. Following Korea's liberation, those who had opposed Shinto worship established Koryo Theological Seminary (now Kosin University) in 1946, leading to the formation of the Kosin group in 1951.
The 1959 Division: Tonghap vs. Hapdong
One of the most defining moments in the denomination's history occurred in 1959 at the 44th General Assembly. This schism split the church into two nearly equal branches: Tonghap and Hapdong. The primary point of contention was the church's relationship with the World Council of Churches (WCC). The Tonghap faction supported ecumenical relations with the WCC, while the Hapdong faction, led by Park Hyun-nyon, took a more evangelical stance. Today, these two groups remain the largest factions within Korean Presbyterianism.
Organizational Structure and Education
The Tonghap denomination operates through a structured system of assemblies and maintains a strong emphasis on theological education. To prepare its leaders, the denomination oversees seven specialized colleges and seminaries:
- Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary
- Honam Theological University and Seminary
- Hanil University and Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Youngnam Theological University and Seminary
- Daejon Theological Seminary
- Pusan Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Seoul Jangshin University and Theological Seminary
Beyond South Korea, the denomination has an international reach, including a daughter denomination in the United States known as the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad.
Recent Controversies
In recent years, the denomination has faced internal challenges regarding governance and ethics. In September 2024, a debate emerged regarding the "Anti-Succession Law" (Article 28, Section 6 of Part 2 of the Constitution). Some leaders argued the law limited the autonomy of individual churches in appointing pastors, but the 109th General Assembly rejected the motion to abolish it, choosing instead to prevent the potential privatization of churches through hereditary succession.
Additionally, the denomination faced scrutiny following a presbytery trial involving adultery allegations against Rev. Kim Ui-sik, a former moderator. The General Assembly Court's decision not to issue an indictment sparked significant discussion within the church community.
Summary of Denominational Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Seo Sang-ryun |
| Origin Year | 1884 (Hwanghae province) |
| Current Moderator | Rev. Jeong Hun |
| Ministers | 20,506 |
| Theological Orientation | Reformed / Ecumenical |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tonghap and Hapdong?
The primary difference lies in their stance on ecumenism. Tonghap is an ecumenical denomination that maintains active relations with the World Council of Churches (WCC), whereas Hapdong is an evangelical faction that emerged from the 1959 split due to disagreements over WCC involvement.
Is Tonghap the same as the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Kosin)?
No. While both are Presbyterian, Kosin is a separate denomination that originated from the resistance against Shinto shrine worship during the Japanese occupation.
What is the "Anti-Succession Law" in the PCK Tonghap?
It is a constitutional provision (Article 28, Section 6) designed to prevent the hereditary succession of church leadership, ensuring that individual churches do not become private family holdings.
How many members does the denomination have?
The denomination has approximately 2,554,227 members across 9,190 congregations.
What is the theological orientation of Tonghap?
The denomination follows Reformed theology and is characterized by its ecumenical approach to global Christian fellowship.