Attached is a copy of the official visitors' programme for overseas guests attending the 22nd WARC general council. However, these printed pages are sterile and do not transmit to the reader the depth of the presentations nor the excitement felt by the participants. We regret that we did not have as many overseas visitors as originally anticipated. Our ranks were increased, however, by delegates and observers who had finished (?) their work in sections or committees.

We had from 35 to 90 persons per programme. We had an almost equal participation of men and women except in the session on "Voices of Women" when we had many Korean women in attendance. We had other daily local visitors who came for special sessions.

We had been told, "not to worry; a fine programme had been planned" in Korea. This was right and we are grateful. The programme was well balanced. We learned much about Korea - its culture, its church life, theology, reunification and issues facing women. Volunteers helped us meet Koreans who had a message to share but who could speak English. (Language was a barrier for many visitors who really did know enough English to follow the programme, particularly visitors from Latin America.)

Every programme was interesting but the most moving session was one on reunification with Elder Park Yong Kil, wife of Rev Moon Ik Hwan. Everyone was humbled by that powerful presentation and witness.

It was clear to Mrs Mary Van Hoeven and myself that we owe the success of the programme to the Korean programme committee and especially to Rev Lee Kwang III. The three of us, Rev Lee, Mrs Mary Van Hoeven and I, formed a team at our very first meeting together. Rev Lee had energy and helped with both major and minor issues - speakers, signs, a blackboard (always being "borrowed" by others) and seeing that every speaker was present at the appointed time. Actually, Rev Lee enabled us make the best use of our limited time together .

The four visits made on Thursday afternoon, August 17 were essential in order to experience/meet/see some of the work being done in urban areas. Likewise, the day trip to the Korean Folk Village was more than an enjoyable break in a heavy schedule but also a learning experience regarding, history and culture.

Visitors also appreciated being included in the weekend programme church visitation.

A visitors' programme can make a significant contribution to a general council and should be part of the planning for the 23rd general council in 199?.

Rev Dr Robert C Lodwick Presbyterian Church (USA), moderator of the visitors' programme

Visitors' programme

Tuesday, August 15

Orientation - questions/answers

Wednesday, August 16

Bible study in plenary

Thursday, August 17

Understanding the Korean Scene: Rev Hwang In Sung

Minjung theology - an introduction: Dr Ahn Byung Mu and Professor Suh David KS

Visits:

Labour parish in an industrial complex
Small urban parish founded by women
Urban Industrial Mission in Younddeungpo region
"My Sister's Place", women's project with prostitutes

Friday, August 18

All day tour of Korean folk village and independence museum in Chun An

Saturday, August 19

Church growth in Korean churches: Rev Cho Sung Ki

Koreans in Diaspora

Europe: Rev Kim Won Pae
USA: Rev Lee Sang Hun
Japan/Asia: Rev Lee In Ha

Monday, August 21

Korean unification: Professor Park Jong Hwa and Elder Park Yong Kil

Voices of women: Dr Ms Hwang Hwa Ja

Thursday, August 24

Conversation with persons who struggle for human rights

Moderator: Rev Kim Yung Ju, director, human rights commission, National Council of Churches of Korea