OhWang Kwon

OhWang Kwon has been deeply engaged in both theological research and ministry for many years. His primary area of interest is theological ethics, which bridges theology and practice.

He mainly focuses on how ethical values can be pursued through changing theological lenses and how these values can be realized and embodied in diverse political, social, cultural and ministerial contexts.

His identity as a Korean immigrant has led him to engage extensively in intercultural theology and ministry in The United Church of Canada, so that the voices of those at the margins can be heard and so that marginalized groups can pursue justice in solidarity—in liminality and marginality.

His ministry experience in the prairies of central Alberta has also led to his theological interest in hinterland theology, which embodies the spirit of St. Andrew’s College as “a cradle of contextual theology.” As an ordained minister, he is also interested in how clergy ethics can contribute to cultivating spiritual leadership.

Areas of Interest:

Theological Ethics, Christian Realism, Pragmatism, Globalization, Social Justice, Democracy, Citizenship, Postmodern and Postcolonial Theologies, Church and Culture, Church and State, Intercultural Ministry and Theology, Minjung Theology, Liberation Theology, Contextual Theology, Political Ethics, Pastoral Ethics

Select Publications:

Work in Progress with Don Schweitzer, Pushing the Envelope: Discipleship for Koreans in The United Church of Canada. (forthcoming in fall 2026)
 
With Don Schweitzer, Hope Peace Unrest: The Holy Spirit in the Korean Community in The United Church of Canada. Gyeonggi-do: Story Books, 2023. Korean Translation 2023.
 
With Don Schweitzer, Jesus and the Marginalized: Jesus Christ for Koreans in The United Church of Canada. Gyeonggi-do: Story Books, 2020. Proofread and edited Korean Translation, 2021.
 
“Toward Christian Political Ethics in Korea’s Political Transitional Period: A Comparative Study of ByungMu Ahn and Reinhold Niebuhr”, Theological Thought Vol. 173, Seoul: Korea Theological Study Institute, Summer 2016, 135-170. (Korean)
 
“A Study of John B. Cobb, Jr.’s Political Ethics from the Perspective of Christian Realism”, Theological Thought Vol. 161, Seoul: Korea Theological Study Institute, June 2013, 191-226. (Korean)
 
“A Postcolonial Reflection on Minjung Theologies: Toward the Theology of Solidarity of Hybrid Minjung.” Korea Association of Christian Studies, Korean Journal of Christian Studies, December 2012, Vol. 84, 169-188.
 
“Restorative Justice in the Korean Transition to Democracy” Korea Association of Christian Studies, Korean Journal of Christian Studies, December 2011, Vol. 78, 195-215.