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...

Serving with Heart: Shincheonji Volunteer Group Connects All Abilities at National Lawn Bowls Event

From June 17 to 20, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Chungju Branch dedicated four full days to supporting the 2025 Chungcheongbuk-do Governor's Cup National Lawn Bowls Competition for the Disabled.

Held at the Chungju Lawn Bowls Stadium, this annual event brought together athletes with disabilities from across Korea. What made it truly special was the presence of 60 devoted volunteers from Shincheonji, who worked behind the scenes with joyful hearts and helping hands.

Heartfelt Support from Start to Finish

The volunteers assisted approximately 250 participants, including athletes, referees, staff, and caregivers.
Their activities included:

  • Preparing and serving meals with a smile

  • Cleaning and organizing the stadium

  • Supporting with waste sorting and general maintenance

Their friendly greetings, eye-level conversations, and sincere hospitality created a warm and welcoming environment throughout the event.

One player shared,

“Every time a volunteer handed me a meal with a big smile, it felt like meeting an angel. They lifted the whole atmosphere.”


A Decade of Steady Commitment

This year marked the 10th year that Shincheonji’s Chungju Volunteer Group has supported this event. Since 2014, they’ve been faithfully working with the Chungju Lawn Bowls Federation for the Disabled, volunteering twice a year as part of their ongoing “Pinky Finger Campaign.”

Recognizing this decade-long dedication, the Federation’s President Lee Sang-yong announced plans to present the group with a plaque of appreciation.
He noted,

“Thanks to Shincheonji’s cheerful volunteers, the event ran smoothly once again. We are truly grateful.”


Toward an Inclusive and Caring Society

A competition official commented,

“From start to finish, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group worked with professionalism and care. We trusted them completely.”

The Chungju branch representative added,

“As members of the local community, we will continue to serve wherever we can. We hope to keep participating in events like this to help build a more inclusive society.”

Whether through meals, kind words, or steady support, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group showed that true connection comes not from ability, but from love.


Source: https://vo.la/nlPTokO

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