In Seoul, Robertson preaches on the hope for peace

By Neva Rae Fox, November 19, 2007 [Episcopal News Service] Preaching on the hope for peace at an international Anglican peace conference, the Rev. Canon Dr. Charles K. Robertson reflected on Psalm 79, repeatedly asking, "How Long, O Lord?"

Robertson, Canon to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, is a member of the Episcopal Church delegation attending the Towards Peace In Korea (TOPIK) conference in Seoul, South Korea. He preached at TOPIK's November 19 morning Eucharist, celebrated by Jefferts Schori.

"In the past few days, we all -- Koreans and other nationals alike -- have heard of the deep hurts that have been experienced by Koreans in both the South and the North," he said, "The cry of the Psalmist has been echoed in many of the statistics and stories that we have heard shared here. War, division, crime, suicide, a profound sense of helplessness: For all too many, the world appears dark indeed."

The TOPIK conference, which runs through November 20, has been organized as a result of a 2005 Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) resolution calling for peace, reconciliation and reunification of this Asian peninsula.

Following a peace journey to North Korea, presentations on the hardships of the Korean people and their economic, political and social systems, and Sunday's worship services in churches and sharing houses throughout the Diocese of Seoul, Robertson reflected on the work that faces the ongoing efforts for peace.

There is hope, he assured. "Yesterday in the Sharing House of Nowon, I caught a glimpse of light. There, with people who have known poverty as a constant companion for so long, I saw hope, not hopelessness. There, I saw beautiful, delightful people who have found their lives valued and improved through the work of the Sharing House. There, for 20 years, the faithful staff of the Sharing House has provided help for the disabled, for those in need of medical care, for the illiterate, for youth and parents and laborers."

Reflecting on the day's gospel from Luke 18, Robertson asked: "How long, O Lord, how long?" We do not have easy answers for the complex problems we face. But this we can know: You and I -- we are not alone. God is present. God is here. God cares...truly, deeply."

The full text of Robertson's sermon is available here.

Also participating in the TOPIK conference are the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, director of Peace and Justice ministries, and Peter Ng, partnership officer for Asia and the Pacific.

-- Neva Rae Fox, program officer for public affairs, is traveling with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

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