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...

A Presbyterian Pastor’s Bold Move: “The Teachings of Shincheonji Are Changing My Church”

 “I felt like I was learning the Bible all over again.”

These are the words of Pastor Heo Yohan, a leader in the Presbyterian denomination in South Korea, who recently made headlines by transforming his church after engaging with the teachings of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

A Wave of Change in Korean Churches

Across South Korea, over 100 churches from established denominations have begun changing their signboards and ministry direction after engaging with Shincheonji’s Bible teachings. For many pastors, it’s more than just a name change—it’s a spiritual revival.

Pastor Heo, leader of a church in the Presbyterian tradition, was one of them. After two years of communication with the Bartholomew Tribe of Shincheonji, he officially joined the growing number of churches choosing to align with Shincheonji’s teachings.

“Like Studying Theology All Over Again”

Pastor Heo first encountered Shincheonji through a Bible Seminar. Though he initially hesitated due to negative social perceptions, he found the clarity, consistency, and structure of the teachings deeply impactful.

“Unlike before, when I read the Bible for moral lessons, I now see it as a roadmap to the kingdom of heaven—especially the book of Revelation,” he shared.

This shift in understanding gave him new direction and purpose in his ministry.

Sermons That Spark Joy

After integrating Shincheonji’s systematic teachings into his sermons, a surprising transformation took place.
Church members began saying:

  • “I finally enjoy coming to church.”

  • “The Word is clear, refreshing, and powerful.”

  • “I want to share this with others.”

Many began inviting friends and family, and the church started to grow. For the first time in a long while, genuine revival felt possible.

A Solution to the Crisis of Korean Christianity?

Pastor Heo believes the root of many problems in Korean churches is not a lack of fellowship—but a lack of the Word.

“People don’t leave churches because they aren’t loved. They leave because there is no Word,” he said.

He believes Shincheonji’s clear, Bible-centered teaching method offers a real solution for pastors struggling to guide their churches in the right direction.

A New Vision for the Church

Today, Pastor Heo continues to participate in Shincheonji’s regular Bible study meetings and has shifted his ministry focus to education and practice. He hopes to build a faith community rooted in Scripture, not tradition alone.

“Faith isn’t just about knowing the Word—it’s about living it. That’s the kind of church I want to build.”


The Future of the Church Starts with the Word

What if the change many churches are seeking is found not in programs, but in returning to the Bible—deeply, clearly, and accurately? Pastor Heo’s story is one of many showing that the teachings of Shincheonji are impacting lives and ministries in profound ways.


Source: https://vo.la/BphFgzHq

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