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...
댓글 쓰기

Honoring Veterans: Jinhae Branch Serves Samgyetang and Watermelon

On a sweltering summer day, the Jinhae Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited the Vietnam War Veterans Association Center in Sokcheon, Jinhae District, to show appreciation for those who served their country. The volunteers prepared and served nutritious samgyetang—a traditional Korean dish of whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, simmered into a rich, restorative soup—and refreshing watermelon to the veterans, offering both nourishment and heartfelt thanks.

A Meal with Meaning

The event was organized to check in on the veterans’ well-being, support their health during the extreme heat, and provide a moment of rest and connection. After the meal, volunteers led a laughter exercise session and a lighthearted nonsense quiz, bringing smiles and joy to the room.

One veteran expressed,

“In this heat, I’ve been thinking about taking better care of my health. I’m so thankful for the samgyetang—it was delicious, and I appreciate all your effort.”

Another shared,

“Thank you for remembering and honoring those of us who endured the horrors of war for our country. If the need arises again, I will gladly request Jinhae Branch’s help.”

Serving with Sincerity

A representative from the Jinhae Branch said,

“We are grateful for the sacrifices the veterans made for our nation. It’s our joy to serve them with sincerity, and we will gladly return whenever we are needed.”

Continuing a Relationship of Care

Since 2023, the Jinhae Branch has maintained a close relationship with the Vietnam War Veterans Association, regularly engaging in activities such as:

  • Meal services

  • Portrait photography for senior veterans

  • Supporting outdoor photo exhibitions

  • Peace advocacy signature campaigns

Earlier this year, they served yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) in March and offered portrait photography services in July, further strengthening ties with the community and promoting a culture of giving.


Source: https://vo.la/CGOln1

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기