Presenter
Prsented by Mr. Udin
Body
Whereas, Born in Seoul, Korea, Bishop Hae-Jong Kim, is the first Korean-American bishop in the entire history of the United Methodist Church. He served as the Resident Bishop of the New York West Episcopal Area for eight years and assumed his duties in the Pittsburgh Area (Western Pennsylvania Conference) on September 1, 2000; and
Whereas, Bishop Kim received his call to ministry while working as a Chaplain's Interpreter during the Korean War in the 1950's. After completing his Bachelor of Theology degree in Seoul, he came to the United States in 1961 to pursue his theological education at the Methodist School of Theology in Ohio. He then went onto Drew University in New Jersey for his doctoral degree, after which he began his pastoral ministry. When he was appointed as District Superintendent in 1984, he was the first Korean-American to hold that position; and
Whereas, Known as a "cultural bridge-builder" in the church and community - he made many contributions to the church's Korean-American work such as Director of the Board of Discipleship and currently as Director of the Board of Global Ministries. In addition Bishop Kim was instrumental in founding the Eastern Seaboard Korean Mission and served as president of the Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry as well as the Northeastern College of Bishops; and
Whereas, Bishop Kim also write poems and has translated many Korean hymns into English. He has also written some hymns in English. His publications include: Ten Ideas for Evangelism and Church Growth, Korean-American Ministries; Class Meeting for Church Growth; Becoming Disciples; and The Root and Wing; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh joins the community in recognizing BishopHae-Jong Kim for his great works in the church as well as his bridging of cultures.
SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN SALA UDIN