The ecumenical movement has been playing an important role in expressing solidarity and journeying for peace and reconciliation towards the restoration of creation. The role of ecumenical bodies and churches in Asia has been to offer platforms for promoting dialogue and understanding among diverse stakeholders, including churches, faith communities, and civil society organisations. This can be done by building communities of peace that are able to transcend and overcome conflicts. Through dialogue, the churches can play a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and fostering mutual understanding and trust among the people and communities who are living in conflict situations. Churches, as agents of peace, have a unique opportunity to encourage and support reconciliation efforts in all broken societies.

The situation in the divided Korean peninsula is a specific situation in which the churches and the ecumenical movement have contributed immensely to promote reconciliation and peace amidst an ongoing conflict situation during the past seven decades. The efforts made by the ecumenical movement for peace, reconciliation, and reunification of the Korean peninsula are evidences of the paramount importance given over the decades to addressing concerns regarding long-standing division and the desire for a harmonious future. Overcoming the historical fragmentation in the Korean peninsula, and the restoration of creation through the process of reconciliation is imperative in today’s emerging geopolitical contexts. By promoting initiatives that address the pain, trauma, and injustice caused by the division of the Korean peninsula, churches can contribute to the reconciliation process and pave the way for a more peaceful and unified future.

The Churcha session on ‘Reconciliation with God’s Creation for Moving Beyond Conflicts and Building Peace will discuss the role of ecumenical bodies and churches in Asia to be partners in solidarity with the people and with divided communities in journeying towards the restoration of peace and reconciliation in the specific context of the situation in the divided Korean peninsula.