Rainbow Tree’s Work and Role in Supporting Inclusive Korean Christianity

Rainbow Tree actively engages in advocacy, care, and theological work to transform Christianity into a space of justice and inclusion.

Advocacy and Awareness

Rainbow Tree organizes and participates in joint worship services and public events that celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion, including:

• June 27, 2025: Queerly Beloved: Second Annual Community Worship and Storytelling with HA:N United Methodist Church and Open Methodists, featuring Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee, Rev. Heung-Do Cha, and queer Christians from South Korea and the United States.
  
  

• November–December 2024: Public support statements with Fundraiser to support pastors excommunicated by the Korean Methodist Church, following Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee’s church trials. These efforts raised approximately 7,000,000 KRW (about $5,300 USD) to cover legal fees and demonstrated widespread solidarity.
  ➤ GoFundMe campaign link
  
  

• May 2024: First Joint worship with HA:N United Methodist Church, where Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee was invited as a guest speaker.
  
  

Through these initiatives, Rainbow Tree mobilizes the faith community, raises awareness, and builds solidarity for LGBTQ+ rights within and beyond the church.

Support for Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee(🔗 Toward an Inclusive Church: The Witness of Rev. Lee and Friends)

Rainbow Tree has been a steadfast ally to Rev. Lee throughout his suspension and excommunication by the Korean Methodist Church. Their support includes:

• Support through fundraising and partnerships.
  
  

• Solidarity and community care for Rev. Lee and other pastors facing church discipline.
  
  

• Media outreach, using social and traditional platforms to amplify their stories and advocate for justice nationally and globally.
  
  

Partnerships and Theological Work

Rainbow Tree has developed meaningful partnerships with progressive faith communities in both South Korea and the United States, including:

• HA:N United Methodist Church – A vibrant and inclusive United Methodist community grounded in Korean and Korean American experiences, committed to embodying God’s love through justice and belonging.
  
  

• Open Methodists (Illinois) – A network of United Methodists in Illinois working toward the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in all aspects of church life and leadership.
  
  

• Q&A: Queer Questions for Korean Church – A movement founded by Rev. Lee Dong Hwan, creating space for dialogue and theological reflection around queer identity within Korean church communities.
  
  

• Beyond Discrimination (차별너머) – A platform dedicated to challenging systemic discrimination and advancing justice, equity, and inclusion within Korean Christian contexts.

Together, these groups have developed LGBTQ+-affirming theological education, worship resources, and community care programs. Rainbow Tree also offers safe spaces, counseling, and spiritual support for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies.

Impact and Challenges

Rainbow Tree’s work has sparked meaningful dialogue within the Korean Methodist Church and the global Christian community. Despite resistance from conservative institutions, Rainbow Tree remains committed to its vision of a church and society where God’s love embraces all people—fully and freely.

References

• United Church of Canada: “No Church Can Expel God’s Love”
  
  

• AsiaNews Network: LGBTQ+ groups vow support for pastor expelled after blessing gay people
  
  

• Wikipedia: Lee Dong-hwan (pastor)
  
  

• UCANews: Excommunicated Korean pastor sues Methodist Church
  
  

• Rainbow Tree Website
  
  

• GoFundMe: Support Rev. Lee and LGBTQ+ Pastors