That statement was made by Archbishop Paul Kim, Primate of the Province of Korea during a sermon at Christ Church Cathedral in the Diocese of New Westminster.

It fits well with the mushy theology of the diocese, as do Paul Kim’s views on blessing same-sex unions.

The problem is, it does matter: if Christianity is true then the statement is nonsense. A Buddhist would not accept Christ’s Divinity, his freely-chosen atoning death on the cross, his Resurrection, or the gift of eternal life through Christ’s propitiatory sacrifice. A Buddhist is “dead in his sins”, is unreconciled to God and has dubious prospects in the hereafter. Moreover, although the world may need people who lead a Christ-like life, those who attempt to do so will not be saved by their works, since we are saved by grace not works.

This leads me to conclude that Archbishop Paul Kim either: doesn’t believe that Christianity is true; doesn’t know what it is; or is illogical. Take your pick.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are Buddhists or Christians, Jews or Gentiles, the world needs people who lead Christ’s life.”

These were the words spoken by the interpreter, the Reverend Aidan Koh, (Chaplain, St.James Episcopal School, Los Angeles) near the conclusion of Archbishop Paul Kim’s address at a Celebration of the Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral marking the Birth of John the Baptist, Tuesday, June 25th, 2013.
Archbishop Kim, en route to the Diocese of Peterborough in England (there are 6 Korean clergy in ministry in that diocese) from the Episcopal Asiaamerica Ministries Conference that ran June 20th to June 24th wanted to stop in Vancouver to visit the Diocese of New Westminster and to pay his respects to Bishop Michael Ingham and his legacy of prophetic witness.
Archbishop Kim has been a vocal advocate in the Asian region and across the Anglican Communion for justice, particularly as it relates to sexuality.