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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Shincheonji Malawi Partners with Blantyre City Council for 8th Environmental Cleanup

Supporting the “Keep Malawi Clean” Policy Through Consistent Community Action

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to expand its community cooperation in Malawi through steady, hands-on volunteer work. On January 10, 2026, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus – Malawi Region carried out its 8th “Light and Salt Day” environmental cleanup campaign in central Blantyre, in collaboration with the Blantyre City Council.

This latest activity reflects Shincheonji Malawi’s long-term commitment to environmental care and aligns with the Malawian government’s national “Keep Malawi Clean” policy.


4,625 kg of Waste Removed Through Ongoing Monthly Service

During the 8th cleanup alone, volunteers collected 750 kilograms of waste from high-traffic commercial areas in downtown Blantyre. Since June 2025, Shincheonji Malawi has conducted monthly cleanup campaigns, bringing the total accumulated waste collected to 4,625 kg.

Starting in January 2026, the organization plans to increase the frequency of cleanup activities to twice per month, reinforcing its role as a consistent community partner rather than a one-time participant.

Expanding Beyond Residential Areas to the City Center

While earlier campaigns focused on road cleanup in the Mbayani community, this round expanded into Blantyre’s urban center—an area with dense commercial activity and higher waste output.

By moving into the city’s busiest zones, Shincheonji Malawi aimed to make a visible impact while actively supporting local government sanitation efforts.


Volunteers Practice Faith Through Action

For many participants, the cleanup was more than a civic duty—it was a practical expression of faith.

“I wanted to practice what I learned in daily life,” said Hanreck Benford (22) from Mbayani.
“Seeing the city become cleaner with our own hands was deeply rewarding. I want to keep taking part in activities that help our community.”

Such testimonies highlight how volunteer service has become an avenue for personal growth as well as social contribution.

Media Coverage and City Officials Join the Effort

The campaign drew broad local attention. Members of the Blantyre mayoral delegation participated on site, and Malawi’s local broadcaster TIMES TV covered the event, airing it on television and publishing related online news reports.

This visibility underscores growing trust and cooperation between Shincheonji Malawi, city authorities, and local media.


Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Youth Peace Education

A Shincheonji Malawi representative shared future plans, stating that the group intends to:

  • Continue regular environmental cleanup activities

  • Assess locations for public trash bin installation and implement them in phases

  • Expand cooperation into peace education programs for youth and teenagers

“These efforts are about building a healthier, cleaner, and more harmonious community,” the representative explained.


A Model of Faith-Based Community Engagement

Through eight consecutive cleanup campaigns and increasing collaboration with municipal authorities, Shincheonji Malawi is demonstrating how faith-based organizations can contribute meaningfully to public welfare.

By combining environmental action, government cooperation, and community participation, the initiative continues to bring tangible change to Blantyre—one cleanup at a time.

Source: https://vo.la/ukWUbEo

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