Synodality as Social Holiness: A Methodist Reflection on the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

The Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships Committee, Asian Ministry Committee, and the Center for Leadership Excellence present a workshop with Dr. Jong Chun Park…

*Doors open at 9:30 am

About the Day

Can unity exist in a world deeply divided? What does it mean for the Church to truly walk together? Rev. Dr. Jong Chun (JC) Park sees synodality as more than a structural process—it is a spiritual calling to rediscover what John Wesley described as “social holiness.”

In this lecture, Dr. Park reflects on his experience as a fraternal delegate at the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops (2023 & 2024), exploring how John Wesley’s vision of “social holiness” aligns with the ecumenical and global movement of synodality. He calls for decolonizing Western theology and shifting from logos-centered reasoning to heart-centered wisdom, a perspective deeply rooted in the traditions of the Global South. Drawing on Wesley’s legacy, he challenges the Church to become more inclusive and mission-driven, reimagining ecclesial authority and synodal leadership to ensure that it walks from the least to the greatest—as envisioned in Jeremiah 31:34. At the heart of this vision is a call to conversion—of both hearts and structures—as the Church learns to listen, discern, and walk together in the Spirit.

About Rev. Dr. JC Park

A distinguished Christian theologian, Rev. Dr. Park has dedicated his life to revitalizing Methodist churches and fostering ecumenical unity in Asia and beyond. He earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Emory University and has spent over three decades as a professor and president at Methodist Theological University in Seoul, South Korea.

From 2016 to 2024, he served as President of the World Methodist Council, actively engaging in Methodist-Catholic dialogue. Today, he continues his theological scholarship and ecumenical work as a consultant for the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies, where he previously served as co-chair. His ministry of peace and reconciliation is rooted in trilateral foci: evangelical ground, ecumenical connectivity, and interfaith solidarity.