South Korea Methodist Church excommunicates pastor for advocating gay right

A Methodist Church in South Korea has excommunicated pastor Lee Dong-hwan for advocating gay right.

The Methodist Church upheld a lower church ruling and said, “The church doctrine stipulates acts of agreeing or sympathising with homosexuality amount to rules violations.”

Why South Korea’s Methodist Church has excommunicated a pastor?

Reports say, 43-year-old Reverend Lee had attended Seoul gay pride events, and also held blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples.

The Methodist Church, in its verdict said: “Participating in and officiating a blessing ceremony to bless sexual minorities by scattering flower petals, performing a performance waving a large rainbow flag in the square in front of Seoul City Hall, proposing a blessing ceremony for homosexuals… are all acts of approval or agreement with homosexuality.”

The verdict is final within the church, and Reverend Lee has no way to contest it.

For the unversed, gay marriage is not recognised in South Korea due to which many people keep their sexuality discreet, fearing social pressure. Also, Seoul’s annual Pride celebration attracts vicious Christian-led opposition.

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Several attempts made over the past 16 years to pass broad anti-discrimination laws have failed due to strong opposition from conservative churches and civic groups who say the law will pave the way for legalisation of gay marriage.

South Korea pastor on Methodist Church’s decision

A report by AFP quoted Reverend Lee saying the church’s decision was “shameful” and he was considering bring the case to a civil court.

“Excommunicating a pastor for blessing sexual minorities will go down in history of Protestantism as dark history that will only invite laughter later,” Lee said.

Of 51 million people in South Korea, nearly a quarter are Christian. The religious community holds significant political sway, with many evangelicals strongly opposing gay rights.

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However, globally, many religious groups have taken steps to embrace LGBTQI rights, with the Vatican recently approving Catholic blessings for same-sex couples.

As per South Korea’s Methodist Church, it has 1.2 million followers under its wing with 6,700 churches in and outside the country and 1,300 missionaries.

With inputs from AFP