Our Story

Korean American Presbyterian Clergy Women (KAPCW) is a community formed by Korean American women in ministry who sought deeper connection, encouragement, and mutual support. As women serving in a variety of churches, ministries, and communities, we value a space where our stories are shared and our callings are nurtured. Read the history of KAPCW below.

Our Beginning

Seven Korean American women in ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gathered in Louisville on September 20–23, 1990, at the invitation of two General Assembly Council offices. Recognizing the emerging needs of the growing number of Korean American women in ministry, the seven women envisioned forming a national organization.

Their vision led to the first national organizing meeting in Los Angeles on May 23–25, 1991, where fifteen women gathered under the theme “The Prophetic Role of Korean American Clergywomen in the Twenty-first Century.” Although they represented diverse ages, languages, ministry contexts, and theological perspectives, they affirmed their shared identity as sisters in Christ and committed to accompanying one another in faith and ministry. Korean American Clergywomen, PC(USA), was officially organized on May 24, 1991.