International Concern Grows Over South Korea's Detention of 95-Year-Old Religious Leader

The recent detention and prosecution of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has sparked intense scrutiny from international human rights and religious freedom organizations. Legal experts and sociologists worldwide are raising critical questions regarding South Korea’s adherence to global human rights standards and the principle of state neutrality. The Controversy Surrounding the Detention On June 24, 2026, South Korean authorities took Chairman Lee into custody on charges related to the Political Parties Act, followed by a formal indictment on June 30. Prosecutors allege that between July 2021 and January 2024, the church organized the enrollment of approximately 50,000 members into the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to influence internal primaries. However, the legal dispute does not center on party membership itself, but on whether coercion was involved. While prosecutors allege a forced campaign, Shincheonji Church maintains that all p...
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Embracing the Spirit of Korean New Year: A Heartwarming Tteokguk Sharing Event

The Tradition of Tteokguk and Its Significance

Tteokguk, or rice cake soup, is a quintessential dish enjoyed during Seollal in Korea. Eating a bowl of tteokguk symbolizes gaining a year in age, as well as starting the New Year with a clean slate. The thinly sliced rice cakes, resembling coins, signify wealth and prosperity, while the broth’s clarity represents purity and fresh beginnings. Families traditionally gather to share this meal, expressing gratitude and setting intentions for the year ahead.

The act of sharing tteokguk with others carries a profound cultural meaning, representing the wish for communal harmony and blessings for all. This tradition served as the foundation for the Osan Tteokguk Sharing Event, ensuring that even those in vulnerable circumstances could partake in the joy of Seollal.


A Celebration of Love and Inclusion

On January 22nd, a special event warmed the hearts of many in Osan, Gyeonggi Province. The “2025 Love for People with Disabilities: Tteokguk Sharing Volunteer Service” brought together volunteers and members of the local community to celebrate Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, with love and generosity. Hosted by the Osan Branch of the Gyeonggi-do Welfare Association for the Disabled and supported by Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Osan-Hwaseong Branch, the Tteokguk Sharing Volunteer Service provided warm tteokguk meals to approximately 120 individuals with disabilities. Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Osan-Hwaseong Branch played an integral role in this initiative, with eight dedicated volunteers offering their time and support.

Recognizing the challenges in funding the event, the Osan-Hwaseong Branch took proactive steps by donating 80 kilograms of rice and additional funds to ensure the event’s success. This heartfelt gesture emphasized the importance of community collaboration in fostering a sense of belonging and care.

A representative from the Gyeonggi-do Welfare Association for the Disabled expressed deep gratitude, stating, “We appreciate the continued support over the years. The dedication and kindness shown by the volunteers have made a significant impact.”


Continuing the Spirit of Giving

An Osan-Hwaseong Branch representative remarked, “We hope this Seollal brings warmth and happiness to everyone. We will continue to participate in any efforts that help uplift marginalized members of our community.” This commitment to service highlights the enduring values of Seollal—spreading joy, fostering connections, and uplifting those in need.

The Tteokguk Sharing Event not only provided meals but also created an atmosphere of love and unity. Participants enjoyed their tteokguk together, sharing smiles and stories that transcended barriers. In doing so, they demonstrated that Seollal is not just about celebrating with family but also about extending that familial love to the broader community.

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Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

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On December 6, members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Netherlands Church gathered at Kralingse Bos , one of Rotterdam’s largest lake parks, for a meaningful volunteer activity. The event was part of the church’s “1st Graduation Commemoration Volunteer Program,” bringing together 27 participants , including newly graduated Class 116 students of the Zion Christian Mission Center . Their goal was simple but sincere: to practice the teachings of Jesus by caring for their neighbors and protecting the local environment. Cleaning Kralingse Bos: A Park Loved by the City Kralingse Bos is a large urban lake park located on the eastern side of Rotterdam. Much like Seoul’s Hangang Park, it is a popular place for walking, running, and enjoying nature. Because so many people pass through every day, litter often gathers around the lakeside paths. A representative from Shincheonji Netherlands Church , part of the Bartholomew Tribe , explained that the city also recognized the need for clean...
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Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

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Peter Heaven Culture Academy launches its 3rd term with 39 hands-on courses across culture, sports, and media As winter break approaches, a new youth program in Gwangju is offering students a chance to explore their interests, talents, and possible career paths through structured, hands-on learning. The Shincheonji Gwangju Church has opened enrollment for the 3rd term of the Peter Heaven Culture Academy (PHCA) , a seasonal program designed for children and teenagers during the winter vacation period. The program is organized for youth members of its children and student groups and focuses on experiential learning rather than classroom-only instruction. A program built around exploration and experience PHCA is designed to help young people better understand themselves by trying a wide range of activities in a supportive group environment. Instead of focusing solely on academic outcomes, the program emphasizes cooperation, creativity, and personal growth through shared experiences. Ahea...
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Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

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As winter settles in and the year comes to a close, many people begin to feel the cold more deeply—especially seniors living alone, neighbors with disabilities, and those who have served the nation. To bring warmth and comfort to these communities, graduates of Zion Christian Mission Center Class 116 from both the Andre Tribe and the Peter Tribe stepped forward for a special act of love: kimchi sharing. Though the two events took place in different cities, the heart behind them was the same. The graduates wanted to celebrate their learning, express gratitude, and start their new journey of faith by serving others with their own hands. Andre Tribe: A Celebration of Graduation Through Giving At the Andre Training Center, more than two hundred volunteers gathered with bright smiles, including one hundred new graduates who had recently completed their study of the Word. Together, they prepared a remarkable amount of kimchi—carefully seasoning and mixing each batch with sincerity. This w...
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