Japan
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Background
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission work began in Japan 1859. During the next 40 years many other denominational mission boards and societies initiated mission work in the country. Out of these efforts in education, social work and medical service as well as preaching emerged independent Japanese churches and eventually the United Church of Christ in Japan and the Korean Christian Church in Japan.
The bonds forged by the efforts of early missionaries and missionboards with Japanese churches led to joint work through the Japan–North American Commission on Cooperative Mission (JNAC), resulting in multi-lateral mission in Japan and in North America. In October 2003 the members of JNAC agreed to discontinue JNAC and relate directly as partners in mission.
Today the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) works with partners, and Presbyterian mission personnel are involved in evangelism, theological education, higher education, and youth and women ministries.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission priorities:
- Youth ministries
- Evangelism and new church development
- Theological education and leadership development
- Ministries with minorities in Japan, including Burakumin, Ainus, Koreans and others
- Women’s ministries
- Health ministries
Other mission issues:
- Yasukuni Shrine
- Ethnic minority and racial justice
- Foreign migrant workers, especially women in Japan
- Church unity and cooperation
Japan Partner Churches and Organizations
Reformed Church of Japan (RCJ)
United Church of Christ in Japan (Kyodan) (UCCJ)
Council on Cooperative Mission
Kinjo Gakuin Junior College
Korean Christian Church in Japan (KCCJ)
National Christian Council in Japan (NCCJ)
Shikoku Gakuin University
Okinawa Christian Junior College
Tokyo Union Theological Seminary
Yodogawa Christian Hospital
Learn more about Japan
Visit the BBC country profile.
