Korean bishop honored with statue at 100th anniversary of L.A. church

A Bishop Sungsoo Simon Kim statue now stands prominently at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, marking the church’s 100th anniversary. The installation is part of a major restoration project that restored architectural elements left unfinished for decades.

The church recently completed a 16-month renovation that finalized portions of the original design. As a result, the building now fully reflects its intended form for the first time in a century. Four diamond-shaped niches on the church’s front wall, which had remained empty for 100 years, were a key focus of the restoration.

To commemorate its centennial, the church decided to install four statues. Congregants participated in an open vote to select the figures. After narrowing eight nominees to four finalists, members cast ballots. Bishop Sungsoo Simon Kim of the Anglican Church of Korea received the most support.

The Rev. John Kim of St. James said the congregation includes members from roughly 50 ethnic backgrounds. However, he noted that Korean members make up about 10% of the church. “Many did not initially know who Bishop Kim was,” he said. “After learning about his life and ministry, he received the highest number of votes.”

The church placed the Bishop Sungsoo Simon Kim statue in the highest position. Rev. Kim said the decision reflected the church’s commitment to honoring minority communities and its location in Koreatown.

“St. James is a multicultural congregation that values minority voices,” he said. “Placing a Korean bishop’s statue at a church in the heart of Koreatown carries symbolic meaning.” He added that Bishop Kim’s humility and dedication to vulnerable communities align with the church’s core values.

The statue depicts Bishop Kim holding a butterfly. The butterfly symbolizes solidarity with and protection of people with developmental disabilities.

Bishop Kim, now 96, previously served as primate of the Anglican Church of Korea and bishop of the Diocese of Seoul. He donated approximately 2.5 acres of inherited land on Ganghwa Island to establish “Our Village,” a community for people with developmental disabilities.

About 50 residents receive education and vocational rehabilitation there. They cultivate bean sprouts and produce household goods using recycled coffee grounds. In addition, Bishop Kim is working to establish a nursing home for people with developmental disabilities.

The other three statues honor St. James, the church’s patron saint; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and Bishop Barbara Harris, the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion.

The dedication ceremony for the statues will take place at 4:15 p.m. on February 22.

BY YOONSEO SONG   [song.yoonseo@koreadaily.com]