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...
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A Shift in Korean Christianity: Shincheonji and 13 Churches Hold Joint Worship Service

A remarkable moment of unity unfolded as Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Bartholomew Tribe’s Hwagok Church hosted a joint worship service with pastors from 13 MOU partner churches. The event, held on September 8, 2025, was more than a gathering — it was a demonstration of how faith can transcend denominational boundaries through the Word.

Coming Together Beyond Denominations

The service opened with prayer (Revelation 21:1–4), hymn 248 “The Morning Light Is Breaking”, a welcoming address, and congratulatory remarks, followed by a special video, sermon, ministry report, cultural performances, and the Lord’s Prayer.

The sermon message highlighted the importance of returning to Scripture as the true foundation of faith. The speaker urged pastors and attendees alike:

“Today, let us set aside tradition and listen humbly to the words of Revelation. In God’s Word, we can all become one.”

Through this, the gathering became an opportunity for pastors and members to reflect on the essence of Christian faith — hearing, understanding, and living by the Bible.


Pastors’ Honest Reflections

Pastors in attendance shared candid responses that revealed a shift in perception.

One pastor admitted,

“Hearing Shincheonji’s message directly has changed my perspective. I hope this joint service allows pastors here to be filled with the Word and to share it faithfully with their congregations.”

Another pastor added,

“For years, I never considered Shincheonji seriously. But today, I realized the depth and structure of the teaching. This service renewed my determination as a pastor and reminded me of the true purpose of ministry.”

Others noted the sincerity of Shincheonji members and the grace they felt during the worship.

A Step Toward Deeper Cooperation

Domestic Mission Department Head, Lee Hak-sil, explained the broader vision:

“It is time to prepare for a greater leap forward with our MOU partner pastors. This joint service showed that we can share faith and unite in one Word.”

The event also featured ministry updates, cultural performances, and video presentations that reminded participants of the historic and spiritual significance of the moment.

Significance of the Joint Worship

This gathering marked an important milestone: Shincheonji’s Hwagok Church and 13 partner churches affirming unity through the Word of Revelation. Attendees recommitted themselves to returning to the essence of faith and looked forward to ongoing cooperation and exchange.

As one pastor concluded:

“Shincheonji’s worship was filled with grace. Experiencing it firsthand showed me the seriousness with which members live by the Word. Going forward, I hope for even deeper and more systematic cooperation.”

Source: https://vo.la/ZeLB40i

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