Toward An Inclusive Church

The Witness of Rev. Lee and Friends

The Journey of Rev. Lee Dong-Hwan

Updated on July, 2025

Rev. Lee Dong-Hwan is a South Korean Methodist pastor whose faith journey and courageous witness have sparked conversation and transformation in both church and society. Here is a summary of his journey drawn from multiple sources:

🌱 1. Early Ministry & Spiritual Awakening

Born around 1980–81 in Seoul.
Ordained in 2013 as a pastor in Suwon.
A transformative youth camp experience reignited his faith after spiritual drift.
Began to view theology through a justice-centered lens after a transgender church member shared their story in 2015.

🏳️‍🌈 2. Embracing LGBTQ+ Inclusion

In 2019, Rev. Lee publicly blessed LGBTQ+ individuals at the Incheon Queer Festival, wearing a rainbow stole and using flower petals in prayer.
Repeated similar blessings in 2021 and 2022.

⚖️ 3. Church Backlash

Suspended for two years in October 2020 for “sympathizing with homosexuality.”
The Korean Methodist Church tribunal cited its Book of Discipline.
Officially excommunicated in December 2023.

🔥 4. Advocacy & Q&A Formation

Founded Q&A (Queer Questions for the Korean Church) in 2022, a group of LGBTQ Christians and allies in Korea.
Recognized by Amnesty International Korea for human rights advocacy.

🏛️ 5. Legal Struggle and Victory

In July 2024, the Suwon District Court granted an injunction suspending his excommunication, citing constitutional rights to equality and expression.
Filed a lawsuit in Seoul Central District Court seeking full reinstatement.

🗣️ 6. Continuing Work in 2025

In a 2025 interview, Rev. Lee stressed the importance of dialogue—even with opposing views—and advocated for the Anti-Discrimination Act in South Korea.
He called on Christians to embody love, justice, and peace above all else.

🔗 Further Reading

Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee and the Korean Pastors Who Followed:

A Journey of Faith and Inclusion

1. Rev. Lee's Journey (Brief Overview)

2019–2024: Rev. Dong-Hwan Lee was suspended and later excommunicated by the Korean Methodist Church for offering blessings to same-sex couples and affirming LGBTQ+ Christians. In response, he pursued legal action and formed Q&A (Queer & Allies) to continue his ministry. (Wikipedia, Korea Times)

2. The Pastors Who Followed: Courage and Solidarity

Rev. Lee’s actions ignited a wave of support from within the church. A growing number of clergy stood by him—risking their own positions and reputations to affirm LGBTQ+ persons and call for justice.

✊ Blessing at the Seoul Queer Festival

On June 1, 2024, six Korean Methodist pastors joined Rev. Lee at the Seoul Queer Festival, participating in a public blessing of LGBTQ+ participants. Despite knowing they could face ecclesiastical discipline, they prayed openly for God’s inclusive love and stood in solidarity with queer Christians. (United Church of Canada)

🕊️ Senior Clergy Support

Prominent among the group was Rev. Heung-Do Cha, a retired pastor who said, “We are here because we could not remain silent. We are doing this for the future of the church.”

Other senior clergy who had already retired or were near retirement also participated—recognizing their relative safety, they used their freedom to defend those who could not. They viewed their actions as an act of spiritual responsibility and prophetic witness. (United Church of Canada)

🧾 Public Declarations & Letters

Following the event, more than 100 clergy members from across Korea signed open letters in support of Rev. Lee and the participating pastors. These letters denounced discrimination within the church and affirmed the full dignity of LGBTQ+ persons.

🤝 Legal and Financial Support

Church members and clergy formed legal support teams to defend the six pastors, some of whom now face possible suspension or trial by the Korean Methodist Church. Funds were raised both domestically and internationally to cover legal expenses.

Organizations such as Rainbow Jesus and the South Korean Coalition for Anti-Discrimination Legislation contributed approximately ₩7 million (~USD 5,300) toward church trial costs. (AsiaNews Network)

🌐 International Solidarity

The United Church of Canada, Amnesty International Korea, and other global faith bodies have issued statements in defense of Rev. Lee and his fellow pastors, framing the issue as a matter of human rights and theological integrity.

3. Wider Movement and Q&A’s Role

Founded by Rev. Lee in 2022, Q&A (Queer & Allies) has become a central hub for progressive theology and LGBTQ+ ministry in Korea. It creates worship liturgies, offers pastoral care, and provides theological education aimed at reconciling Christian faith with queer identity. (Wikipedia)

4. Conclusion

Rev. Lee’s stand has sparked a spiritual awakening among Korean clergy, calling them to question institutional exclusion and embody Christ’s inclusive love. The pastors who followed him have not only supported their colleague—they have become part of a growing reform movement, bearing witness to a church that welcomes all.

Their journey, alongside Rev. Lee’s, marks a turning point in Korean Christianity—where prophetic courage meets grassroots compassion.

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