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 Sanctuary Built on Faith: Shincheonji Masan Church Celebrates New Temple Dedication

From 31 to 3,384 Members—A Story of Growth, Prayer, and Perseverance

On July 23, 2025, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Masan Church (part of the Seoul James Tribe) held its long-awaited dedication service for a brand new temple—a stunning five-story sanctuary built on decades of prayer, perseverance, and explosive spiritual growth.

A Church That Kept Growing—Despite the Odds

What began in 1993 with just 31 believers has now grown into a thriving congregation of 3,384 members, marking more than a 100-fold increase. The spark? The church’s participation in the 1994 Revelation seminar, which opened a door to deeper understanding and inspired continued evangelism and Bible education.

Through challenges like COVID-19, delayed site approvals, and restrictions on signage, the Masan congregation never gave up. Their dream? To build “a place that God is pleased with”—and now, that dream has come true.


A Holy Space with a Heavenly Purpose

The newly dedicated temple covers over 14,000㎡ (150,000 sq ft), with two underground floors and five above-ground stories. It was designed as more than a place of worship—it is now a spiritual base for teaching, service, and community care in Masan and beyond.

Members who helped construct the church from the ground up described it as:

“A temple filled with the tears of prayer and hope for the gospel.”

Another said:

“I still remember carrying soil with a shovel during construction. Now, this space stands as a testimony of God walking with us.”

A Place Where People Are Gathering

The response from the local community has been extraordinary. With increased curiosity and visitors from traditional churches, even some pastors who once discouraged others from attending are now witnessing the very people they warned begin to flock toward this new house of worship.

“One side tries to stop people, but the other side keeps coming. What’s happening?” a local commented.

This wave of attention reflects what many call a spiritual shift—a hunger for the Word being fulfilled, and a sign that something unique is happening through Shincheonji’s mission.


Continuing the Mission—In Worship and in Service

Beyond Sunday worship, Masan Church is committed to community care. The congregation continues to serve through:

  • Blood donation drives

  • Environmental cleanups

  • Supporting vulnerable neighbors

As one church representative shared:

“This new temple is proof of a journey built on the truth of God’s Word. And we will continue to serve as the salt and light in this region.”


Source: https://vo.la/lwXLndf

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