Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch Sustains Long-Term Eco Care for Changneungcheon Stream

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch Partnered with 30-Year Local Conservation Advocates to Repeatedly Eradicate Ecosystem-Disturbing Invasive Plants Along Changneungcheon Stream 💬 "Rather than a single environmental event held just for show, visiting the necessary site repeatedly and providing continuous care is what truly matters." — Official from Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch Environmental cleanup along urban rivers rarely yields long-term results through a single session. Seeds float downstream, and invasive species quickly regrow. Following official guidelines from the National Institute of Ecology—which emphasize repeated removal and post-cleanup monitoring—the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch has adopted a "repeat visit" model to ensure the genuine ecological recovery of Changneungcheon Stream in Goyang. Repeated Removal: Collecting 1,800L Additional Waste After Major Cleanup On October 3, 2026, volunteers from the Goyang Branch re...
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Shincheonji Church's Legal Victory: A Clear Win for Religious Freedom in South Korea

In a significant legal ruling, the Suwon District Court has sided with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, declaring that Gwacheon City’s refusal to approve the church’s building use change was unlawful. The verdict not only confirms the church’s rights but also sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting religious freedom under South Korea’s Constitution.

Background

Since 2006, Shincheonji Church has used the ninth floor of the New Core Outlet building in Gwacheon as a place of worship. Originally listed as a "business facility," the church applied to have it reclassified as a "cultural and assembly facility" to reflect its true function. For over 15 years, this space was peacefully used as a church, and the city raised no objections.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gwacheon City closed the church without legal basis. Even after the situation improved, the city warned that continued religious activities without the approved designation would lead to penalties. This was seen by many as a clear attempt to limit Shincheonji’s religious activities.


Legal Battle and Court Ruling

In response, Shincheonji filed a lawsuit challenging the city's refusal. On April 24, 2025, the Suwon District Court ruled that Gwacheon City's actions were illegal and unconstitutional.

The court emphasized that:

  • Changes within the same facility category must be approved under Korea’s Building Act.

  • Issues like traffic, safety, or local complaints are not valid reasons for denial.

  • Refusing the church’s application amounted to a violation of religious freedom, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

The court also ordered Gwacheon City to pay all legal costs, reinforcing the seriousness of their administrative misconduct.


Broader Implications

This verdict is more than just a win for Shincheonji Church—it’s a major step forward for all religious groups in South Korea. It reminds us that government authorities must respect legal boundaries and cannot use administrative procedures to unfairly target or suppress certain religions.

The decision serves as a strong precedent, showing that prejudice, public pressure, or misinformation cannot justify violating fundamental rights.


Shincheonji Church's Response

Following the court’s decision, Shincheonji Church expressed deep relief. A church representative said,

“This ruling reaffirms our right to worship freely and recognizes the unfair treatment we’ve endured. It is a clear rejection of biased and unlawful administration.”

The church plans to work constructively with Gwacheon City to resume worship and continue serving the community in full compliance with the law.


The Suwon Court’s decision is not only a legal victory for Shincheonji but a powerful reminder that religious freedom must be upheld at all costs. This case shows how the judicial system can correct unfair treatment and protect minority faiths from unjust restrictions. It’s a hopeful step toward a more just, fair, and inclusive society.

Source: https://vo.la/HKLXWv


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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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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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