Yoido Full Gospel Church will present plaques of appreciation and cash gifts to families with multiple children to mark World Population Day on July 11, the church said on July 9.
The church has been carrying out various ministries to address Korea's low birth rate, including a survey on perceptions of childbirth and child-rearing, a slogan contest, and childbirth incentive payments. Senior Pastor Younghoon Lee has consistently said that "cherishing life and raising the next generation is the most important mission for the kingdom of God," presenting the direction of "three children as the standard, five as encouraged" within the church community.
The church will hold a ceremony to award plaques of appreciation and deliver cash gifts to families with five or more children during its Sunday service on July 12. A total of 42 families are eligible, including 29 families with five children and 13 families with six or more children. Families with five children will each receive 700,000 won, while families with six or more children will each receive 1 million won. The total support amounts to 33.3 million won. The plaques will be inscribed with the message: "In an era of low birth rates, you have personally practiced the preciousness of life and raised your children admirably with faith and love, becoming an example to your family, the church, and our society." The church plans to expand the plaque program to families with four children next year.
The church also released the results of its "Survey on Perceptions of Childbirth and Child-Rearing for Healthy Families and the Next Generation." The survey, conducted among female congregants aged 15 to 49, found that the church's total fertility rate stood at 1.86 children. The average desired number of children was 2.32, higher than the actual birth level of 1.86. "The results show that congregants do not view childbirth itself negatively, but rather that their desired childbirth is not being fully realized due to practical constraints such as economic burdens and the child-rearing environment," the church said. "The church's community-based support and policies can play a role in narrowing that gap."
