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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Bridging Faiths for Peace: Buddhist–Christian Harmony Lecture

 A meaningful step toward interreligious harmony took place on October 23 at Gwaneum Temple in Wonju, where the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Philip Tribe, Wonju Church) was invited to participate in a special joint event titled “Buddhist–Christian Harmony Lecture.”

The gathering aimed to promote peace, love, and compassion—values shared by both faiths—while encouraging participants to move beyond theological differences toward unity of heart and mutual understanding.

Scriptures in Dialogue: A New Step Toward Religious Unity

The event brought together Ven. Munsu of Gwaneum Temple and Instructor Hee-soo Kim from Shincheonji Wonju Church, who exchanged teachings based on their respective scriptures. Through cross-lectures, the speakers examined how Buddhist and Christian perspectives intersect and complement one another, breaking down barriers that have long separated the two traditions.

Ven. Munsu led a lecture on “A Summary and Conclusion of the Entire Book of Revelation,” explaining that his participation stemmed from three years of scriptural exchange and dialogue for religious peace. Citing Revelation 1:1–8 and his favorite passage, Revelation 21:1–4, he said, “I hope that a paradise like the world described in this scripture will soon come. If we help one another and work together, we ourselves can create peace and harmony among religions.”

He concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May all suffering in this world disappear so that all living beings can live in happiness forever. I earnestly pray to our holy Father God, the Creator of all things in heaven and earth, and to Buddha.”


Shared Values: Discovering Parallels Between Buddhism and Christianity

Instructor Hee-soo Kim of Shincheonji Church delivered a lecture on “The Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism, drawing connections between Buddhist and Christian teachings.

Kim recalled an encounter during Bible study where someone remarked, “The teachings of the Bible and Buddhism are so alike.” He then compared Mount Zion in Revelation 14 to Mount Sumeru in Buddhist scripture, and the four living creatures in Revelation 4 to the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism, noting striking similarities that left him deeply moved.

He emphasized, “The teachings of Buddhism and the teachings of Jesus share the same essence. Truth is one, and religion is the path leading to the same destination. By coexisting and learning from each other, we can walk together on the path of peace.”


A Celebration of Peace and Understanding

The event concluded with a celebratory performance and an informal tea-sharing session, offering participants the opportunity for open dialogue and connection.

Organizers stated that the cross-scriptural lectures served as a meaningful foundation for future interfaith cooperation and peace initiatives, and announced plans to continue holding regular exchanges that promote harmony and mutual respect within the local community.


Source: https://vo.la/32mSipe

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