Korea's biggest church under fire for controversial father-to-son power transfer

A group of Christian activists stage a protest outside the Myungsung Church compound in Seoul, Monday, condemning the power transfer from father to son./Korea Times photo by Shim Jae-yun

By Kim Se-jeong

Rev. Kim Sam-hwan

Myungsung Church in eastern Seoul, the world’s largest Presbyterian church, is making headlines across the country this week over what’s seen as an illegitimate power transfer.

On Sunday, Rev. Kim Sam-hwan, the megachurch’s founder and former head pastor, officially ordained his son, Ha-na, as head pastor.

The move runs against common practices of the church and also violates the constitution of the Korean Presbyterian Church (KPC).

All along, the two had pledged not to carry out this succession.

In 2014 when he announced his retirement date, the father assured he would not have his son succeed him. In 2015, the son also said he would refuse the offer, if it cams, as it would not be healthy for the church.

It’s unclear what happened over the last two years.

Speaking with the JoongAng Ilbo, an anonymous pastor explained the father might have feared a possible schism.

“When a new pastor arrives, the congregation usually splits into two: between those who support the old pastor and those seek reforms under the new pastor,” the source said. “The split often leads to a big fight that destroys the church. For all departing pastors, that’s the worst thing to see and they contemplate ways to prevent it from happening. Putting your son in charge would be the best way to prevent it.”

However, many say money was at stake.

As a large church, Myungsung’s combined wealth is said to hover around 100 billion won ($89.4 million) and the head pastor has the final say on major financial decisions.

Also, for years, the father pastor was accused of creating an 8 billion won slush fund. When one of Myungsung’s elders responsible for finance committed suicide in 2014, many hoped for an investigation by law enforcement but this didn’t happen.

The scandal is dividing Myungsung.

Members who oppose the father-son power transfer have been protesting outside the church compound.

“It’s not God’s will to transfer pastorialship from father to son,” said one holding up a sign.

Another said: “What is happening at Myungsung is against Christian teaching.”

Almost 500 fellow Presbyterian pastors also issued a statement Monday, condemning the father and son.

They said the decision was a clear violation of the PCK Constitution. Speaking with The Korea Times, Tuesday, the PCK only said it’s watching developments. One official added the ban clause exists, but it leaves room for debate because of different interpretations of the clause.

The Myungsung Presbyterian Church did not return The Korea Times’ call.

Members in support of the decision were reported as saying “mind your own business” to critics.

At the ordainment ceremony Sunday, the father and son declined to address the criticism coming from outside, but made a statement.

“I trust God that the new pastor will be content with the grace that’s given to him,” the elder Kim said.

The son responded: “As long as God is with us, the congregation, even if it’s down to one person, will be the happiest one.”