글

Beyond Theology: Why International Legal Experts and Domestic Leaders Demand Due Process in South Korea

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on August 7, 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles. Organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter , the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. International Law and Precedents: The Principle of Proportionality A central argument raised by international experts focuses on South Korea’s legal obligations under global treaties. Having ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is bound to apply detention strictly when necessary and proportional. Thierry Vall...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

International Human Rights NGOs Hold Press Conference in Seoul Over South Korea’s Religious Freedom Concerns

이미지
On August 7, 2026, leading international human rights organizations and religious freedom experts convened a high-profile press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club inside the Korea Press Center. Titled "Freedom of Religion and Expression in South Korea: Concerns and Perspectives from the International Community," the event addressed growing global alarms regarding state neutrality, due process, and the protection of minority religious groups in South Korea. Following the press conference, participating international delegates formally submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), urging humanitarian release and proportional legal measures for 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Key Statements from Global Human Rights Leaders Representatives from Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC), FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

Australian Faith Leaders Call for Release of 95-Year-Old Religious Leader in South Korea

이미지
Global advocacy regarding religious freedom and human rights in South Korea has expanded to Oceania. On August 1, 2026, faith leaders, Christian ministers, and peace advocates gathered in Brisbane, Australia, for the Declaration of Religious Freedom & World Peace Conference . Organized by local religious communities, the conference provided a collaborative platform to address the ongoing pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, highlighting its broader implications for freedom of belief and procedural fairness under democratic rule. Key Points Raised at the Brisbane Conference During the two-hour event, attendees examined the legal and humanitarian aspects surrounding Chairman Lee's detention on charges related to South Korea's Political Parties Act—allegations that the church continues to refute, emphasizing that members participated in political life as independent citizens. Key perspectives shared by Australian religious lead...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

"Sharing Heavenly Light and Rain": Shincheonji Church and the Busoga Kingdom Brought Free Healthcare to Over 1,000 Ugandan Residents

이미지
Access to basic, quality healthcare remains one of the most critical challenges facing rural communities in East Africa. Long traveling distances to clinics and the exorbitant cost of medical treatment often prevent vulnerable families from receiving timely diagnoses and essential care. Addressing these systemic barriers through direct action, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus , in official partnership with the Busoga Kingdom , hosted a mega health camp on July 18, 2026, at Muterere Health Centre III in the Bugiri District of Uganda. Organized under a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the church and the kingdom, the joint outreach brought essential, free medical services directly to more than 1,000 local residents . Comprehensive Medical Support and Community Screenings The initiative mobilized a dedicated team of doctors, specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and medical volunteers. Together, they transformed the local health center into a vibrant hub of care, offering a wi...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

European Religion Scholars and Human Rights Lawyers Call for Release of 95-Year-Old Korean Religious Leader

이미지
International scrutiny regarding South Korea’s legal proceedings against minority religious groups reached a new high during the Ninth Annual Conference of the European Academy of Religion (EuARe) held in Rome. European scholars of religion and legal experts voiced strong appeals demanding the immediate release of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who remains in detention on charges involving the Political Parties Act. The session titled "Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context" provided a platform for prominent international figures to assess South Korea's actions through the lens of international law and universal human rights standards. Direct Appeals from European Scholars and Legal Experts During the conference, leading experts expressed grave concerns that detaining a 95-year-old individual over non-violent allegations breaches fundamental international legal frameworks. Dr. Massimo Introvigne (Founder & Managing ...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

Beyond Words of Thanks: Delivering Hands-On Care to Korea’s Aging War Veterans Amid Record Heatwaves

이미지
How Shincheonji Volunteer Group Stepped into the Living Spaces of National Heroes in Uijeongbu, Gwangju, and Cheonan "The war ended decades ago, but for me, it has never truly ended..." — Lim Jae-cheon (77), Vietnam War Veteran & Army Medic in Uijeongbu As record-breaking heatwaves swept across South Korea in late July 2026—with feel-like temperatures soaring near 38°C (100°F)—elderly war veterans faced severe health risks. Moving beyond public awareness rallies on city streets, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took a direct, hands-on approach: entering the homes, offices, and veterans' halls of aging heroes to provide tailored living support, summer health meals, and deep emotional companionship. Here is a look at how volunteers delivered practical care and honor to veterans in Uijeongbu, Gwangju, and Cheonan . 1. Uijeongbu Branch: Living Space Care & Personalized Honor On July 25, volunteers from the Uijeongbu Branch personally visited the homes of elderly Viet...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

Honoring Veterans Across South Korea: Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Summer Remembrance Campaign

이미지
During the heat of late July, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out a series of meaningful civic engagement and patriotism campaigns across South Korea. By combining summer relief initiatives—such as distributing cold water and ice coffee—with interactive programs to honor 6·25 War veterans, these events aimed to expand the spirit of remembrance beyond national holidays and into everyday life. Here is a look at the patriotic activities held in Incheon, Busan, Pohang, and Cheongju . Incheon: History Exploration and Eco-Plogging at Palmido Island On July 26, the Seoincheon and Gyeyang branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group joined forces with the Marine Sea Saver Movement Headquarters to host a combined veterans honor and environmental cleanup campaign at Palmido Island. Key Activities: Historical Education: Participants visited the Palmido Lighthouse Museum and listened to veteran Lee Il-pyo explain the historical significance of the Incheon Landing Operation and the value...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기