Beyond Theology: Why International Legal Experts and Domestic Leaders Demand Due Process in South Korea

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on August 7, 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles. Organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter , the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. International Law and Precedents: The Principle of Proportionality A central argument raised by international experts focuses on South Korea’s legal obligations under global treaties. Having ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is bound to apply detention strictly when necessary and proportional. Thierry Vall...
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[12 Tribes Series] The Thaddaeus Tribe: Transforming Regional Pain into Shared Hope Through Resilience and Service

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus approaches its 42nd anniversary, the Thaddaeus Tribe stands out for its extraordinary commitment to community recovery. Based in Daegu and the Gyeongbuk region—a land known for its historical "national debt compensation movement"—the Thaddaeus Tribe has inherited this spirit of self-sacrifice, becoming a "light" that shines brightest during national and regional crises.

A Journey of Growth: From Shinam-dong to the Global Stage

The Thaddaeus Tribe’s history began in 1987 in a small residential space in Shinam-dong, Daegu. What started as a humble gathering centered on biblical education has expanded significantly over 39 years.

  • Domestic Expansion: Following the growth in Daegu, churches were established in major Gyeongbuk cities including Pohang (1994), Gumi (1996), and Andong/Gyeongju (2010).

  • Global Presence: Today, the Thaddaeus Tribe operates branch churches in 7 countries, including the USA, Brazil, Chile, India, Sri Lanka, Liberia, and Canada, sharing the Word of Revelation with the world.


National Crisis Hero: The 91% Plasma Donation Record

One of the most defining moments for the Thaddaeus Tribe occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, while the nation struggled with a lack of treatments, 3,741 members who had recovered from the virus volunteered for plasma donation. Remarkably, this accounted for 91.3% of the total plasma donations in South Korea at the time. This massive contribution was instrumental in developing treatments and researching virus variants, earning praise from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).


On the Frontlines of Disaster Relief

Whenever the Gyeongbuk region faced natural disasters, Thaddaeus volunteers were the first to arrive:

  • Pohang Earthquake (2017): 500 volunteers served for 35 days, providing relief supplies and environmental cleanup, earning a Commendation from the Minister of the Interior and Safety.

  • Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022): Over 200 volunteers worked in flooded markets and residential areas in Pohang to restore livelihoods, receiving the Pohang Mayor’s Commendation.

  • Gyeongbuk Wildfires (2025): 470 volunteers spent 61 days restoring 69 affected sites in Andong and Uiseong, further solidifying their role as a vital social safety net.


A Bridge for Inter-denominational Harmony

The Thaddaeus Tribe is also pioneering a culture of open communication. Through "Open House" events and "Heart-Sharing Gratitude Festivals," they have welcomed nearly 3,000 citizens and 170 religious leaders to experience their community. Notably, the Tribe Leader, Kim Su-jin, was officially invited to preach at a Presbyterian church in Daegu in July 2025, marking a historic moment of theological exchange and mutual respect between denominations.

Thaddaeus Tribe at a Glance

| Primary Region | Daegu & Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea | 

| Global Network | 7 Countries (USA, Brazil, India, etc.) | 

| Crisis Response | Contributed 91.3% of national COVID-19 plasma donations | 

|  Key Achievement | Received Minister’s Commendation for Pohang Earthquake relief |

Source: https://vo.la/wCtV3gJ

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

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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...
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Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

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

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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...
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