Christian Ethics Movement of Korea

Overview

The Christian Ethics Movement of Korea is neither a denomination nor an association of denominations. It is an interdenominational civic organization in which pastors, laypeople, and professionals from various denominations take part as individuals. Its stated mission is to foster Christians who live ethical lives consistent with the gospel, churches worthy of trust, and a just and peaceful society. It is commonly classified as part of the stream within evangelicalism that emphasizes social engagement; some descriptions call this "progressive evangelicalism."

Founding and History

• In December 1987, Son Bong-ho, Yi Man-yeol, Kim In-su, Jang Gi-ryeo, Won Ho-taek, Yi Jang-gyu, Kang Young-ahn, and others launched the movement. After taking part in the Christian Committee for Fair Elections in the mid-1980s, Son Bong-ho led the founding of the organization and is reported to have served as its first board chair.
• In 1993, the LA Christian Ethics Movement was established in Los Angeles as a separate nonprofit corporation.
• In July 2020, the Youth Center WAY was launched as an affiliated body responsible for youth ministry.
• At the regular general assembly in February 2025, Professor Baek Jong-guk stepped down after eight years as board chair. Pastor Ji Hyung-eun, a former general assembly moderator of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church, took office as the new board chair, and Pastor Shin Dong-sik and attorney Lee Sang-min were elected as new co-representatives.

Major Activities

The organization describes its work in four areas: the Voluntary Inconvenience Movement, the Church Trust Movement, the Good Society Movement, and the Youth Movement.

• Voluntary Inconvenience Movement: Each year a theme is chosen for a year-long campaign. The theme for 2026 is "A Hospitable Church, an Everyday Life Without Discrimination."
• Church Trust Movement: The organization has conducted and published public opinion surveys asking the general public about the social credibility of the Korean church. The results of the 2020 survey were likewise released at a public presentation.
• Good Society Movement: The organization engages with social issues, for example by urging Christian voters to discern carefully among candidates during elections.
• Youth Movement: Young adults are supported primarily through the Youth Center WAY.
• In addition, the organization publishes the weekly webzine Good Tree and maintains the Christian Ethics Institute and a Social Welfare Committee.

Organization

Because it is not a federation of denominations, it has no member denominations. It is governed by a board of directors, a body of co-representatives, and a secretariat, and it is supported by like-minded churches and institutions. It has regional chapters such as the South Jeolla chapter, and among overseas Korean immigrant churches there is the LA Christian Ethics Movement.

Controversies and Assessment

Even its critics acknowledge that the organization gained influence in the past by speaking out with conviction on issues of Christian ethics. On political and social issues, however, it has repeatedly clashed with the conservative wing of the Korean church.

• On October 2, 2024, the organization issued a statement criticizing the "Korean Church Two Million United Worship Service and Great Prayer Meeting," held on Sunday, October 27, at Gwanghwamun in Seoul, whose organizers regarded legislation such as an anti-discrimination law as an "evil law" and sought to block it. The organization argued that for the church, acting as a public body, to hold a political rally on the Lord's Day in the form of a worship service and prayer meeting undermined the spirit of worship set forth in denominational constitutions. On October 10, it sent letters of inquiry and appeal to the six denominations that had resolved to participate in the rally and proposed a public debate.
• Christian civic groups on the opposing side held a press conference in front of the organization's office to demand an apology. They criticized the organization for having stated, in a September 11, 2013, statement, that a comprehensive anti-discrimination law was necessary. The Free Citizens' Alliance for the Restoration of Worship (Yejayeon) contended that the organization's concept of public worship reflected the biblical interpretation of liberal theology. Some conservative church figures and media outlets have also labeled the organization the "Christian left."
• Media outlets sympathetic to the organization reported that it came under fierce outside attack as a result of this episode. The dispute illustrates the differing views within the Korean church regarding the relationship between church and politics.