UN Human Rights Council Receives Petition on Minorities in South Korea

What began as a domestic legal dispute in South Korea has officially reached the global stage. CAP LC, a prominent international human rights NGO holding special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has submitted a formal written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The petition voices growing international alarm over institutional discrimination, social stigma, and the erosion of due process affecting minority groups, specifically focusing on the recent treatment of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The Core Appeal: Decisions Must Be Based on Evidence, Not Stigma In its official submission to the UN, CAP LC shifted the focus away from internal theological controversies, choosing instead to address a more critical systemic issue: the objective standards of administrative and judicial justice. The international NGO expressed deep concern that unverified negative perceptions originating in South Korea are being exported g...
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Honoring Sacrifice: A Memorial Day Reflected in Faith

June 6 marks Korea’s Memorial Day (현충일), a national holiday dedicated to remembering the soldiers and independence fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. Now in its 70th year, the day holds profound meaning for many Koreans—and for one church community in Seoul, this year’s observance was made even more significant by faith.


A Day of Reflection at Yeongdeungpo Church

At Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Bartholomew Tribe, thousands of members gathered at Yeongdeungpo Church to commemorate Memorial Day through prayer, reflection, and biblical teaching. As sirens sounded across the nation at 10:00 a.m., the congregation observed a moment of silence to honor the fallen.

Seo Gyumin, Director of Internal Affairs for Bartholomew Tribe, led the day’s message. In his lecture, he emphasized that the religious freedom Koreans enjoy today was made possible by the blood of national heroes who gave their lives for their country. “Memorial Day is not just a holiday,” he said, “but a time to remember and be thankful to those who defended our nation with their lives.”

He further urged Christians to reflect not only on national heroes but also on the spiritual ancestors who were martyred for the faith. “Christians should deeply meditate on those who died to preserve the freedom of faith,” Seo said. In an interview, he added, “It’s important for the Christian world to regard Memorial Day with the value it deserves.”


The Christian Roots of Sacrifice

The message drew parallels between Korea’s historical path to independence and the early days of Christianity. Just as countless martyrs in the early church gave their lives to spread the gospel throughout Europe—leading to milestones like the Edict of Milan in 313 AD—those sacrifices laid the groundwork for Christianity becoming the world’s largest religion.

The article also noted that during Korea’s Japanese occupation, missionaries such as Homer Hulbert and Ernest Bethell contributed to the independence movement by spreading knowledge, resisting colonialism, and advocating for Korea on the international stage. Their efforts bore fruit in Korea’s eventual liberation in 1945.


A Time for Personal Reflection

Attendees expressed how the event inspired personal gratitude and reflection. One member, Lee Ji-eun (28, alias), who lives with her father—a retired army colonel—said, “Just as our nation’s heroes protected our country, I’m thankful for the spiritual martyrs who protected my values of faith. I won’t forget that my ability to worship today rests on their sacrifices.”

Another member, Lee Hyung-woo (77, alias), recalled friends lost in the Vietnam War. “It’s bittersweet. I miss them dearly, but I’m hopeful that the younger generation will carry our legacy forward,” he said. “No matter how hard things get, I hope they will keep pressing on.”


The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation

The article also mentioned concerns about the lack of awareness among younger generations regarding the meaning of Memorial Day. A 2012 survey showed that nearly half of elementary students did not know why it is a public holiday. In this context, the church’s Memorial Day event offered not only spiritual reflection but also a meaningful opportunity to teach historical and national values.

A representative from Shincheonji’s Bartholomew Tribe shared, “Our members seriously considered how they could spend this day meaningfully. This event allowed them to deepen both their patriotism and their faith.”

Source: https://vo.la/fQjFLwg

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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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