At a ceremony at the KCF office on 17 April, Dr Raiser gave Rev. Kang Yong Sup, chairman of the KCF, a list detailing the contents of an aid shipment coordinated by "Action by Churches Together" (ACT), comprising food items, medicines and medical equipment. To date, the WCC through ACT has channeled the equivalent of US$ 10 million of aid and relief assistance to the people of DPRK. This humanitarian effort began in 1995.

On Sunday, 18 April, the delegation worshiped at Bongsu Church in Pyongyang and also visited Chilgol Church. At Bongsu Church, Dr Raiser delivered a message to the congregation, based on John 21: 1-14 - Christ is present where there is need. He stated that the risen Christ was made known to his disciples through the breaking and sharing of bread. Christ knew and responded to the real needs of people. The solidarity shown by the ecumenical community in seeking to respond to the needs of the people of Korea is an expression of the love demonstrated by Christ.

At the meeting with the president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Kim Yong Nam thanked the WCC for its efforts to work towards a peaceful reunification of Korea. He also expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided to the Korean people.

Since 1984, the WCC has promoted a process of reconciliation and reunification through consultations with representatives of churches in North and South Korea. These discussions began in September 1984 at Tozanso, Japan. A second discussion at Glion, Switzerland, in September 1986, was followed by a series of meetings.

In December 1998, a KCF delegation participated in the WCC's eighth assembly at Harare, where they were enthusiastically received by the member churches of the WCC.

The members of the delegation accompanying Dr Raiser were: WCC Asia secretary Dr Park Kyung Seo, executive secretary for International Relations Clement John, ACT coordinator Miriam Lutz and WCC audiovisual media coordinator Peter Williams.

Please note that photos of the WCC's visit to North Korea are now available on line.

Dr Raiser will be prepared to talk with journalists after his return from Korea on the afternoon of 26 April.