Human Rights Violation Under the Guise of Religion: Over 2,000 Cases of Coerced Conversion in South Korea

Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea explicitly guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. The choice to adopt, maintain, or abandon a belief is a fundamental personal liberty. However, alarming statistical evidence indicates that this constitutional guarantee is being undermined by severe human rights violations occurring behind closed doors, often hidden under the label of "family disputes" or "cult counseling." According to recent investigative reports by local media and data compiled by the Global Alliance for Religious Freedom and Human Rights, approximately 2,000 individuals belonging to Shincheonji Church of Jesus have faced illegal coerced conversion attempts over the past two decades. This issue extends far beyond theological debate—it represents a grave violation of universal human rights and statutory law. Escalating Violence and Vulnerable Targets The methods reported in these coerced conversion cases go well beyond v...
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Beyond Geography -- Shincheonji Volunteers are Closing the Gap in Community Service

The "Volunteer Polarization" Problem

In the world of community service, there is a hidden imbalance. Most volunteer activities are concentrated in convenient, urban centers—areas easy to reach by public transport. Meanwhile, remote fishing villages, aging neighborhoods, and disaster-prone zones are often left behind due to their geographical isolation and high work intensity.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan West Branch is changing this narrative by shifting the focus from "where it’s easy to go" to "where we are needed most".

Responding to the "SOS" of Fisherman (Gadeokdo Island)

Coastal areas like Gadeokdo’s Cheonseong Port often suffer from marine debris left by tourists and campers. For elderly fishermen, clearing heavy nets and tangled waste is an impossible task.

  • The Action: Upon a direct request from the local fishing village chief, volunteers dove into the debris, recovering 4,500 liters of marine waste.

  • The Impact: "I was at a loss with the endless trash, but these young volunteers cleared it as if it were their own task," said the local chief.


Mobile Photo Studio for War Veterans

Access to professional services is a major hurdle for veterans living in aging, secluded housing districts.

  • Customized Service: Since February 2023, the branch launched the "Longevity Photo Project," bringing a professional mobile studio directly to veteran halls.

  • Expanding Reach: What started in the Saha District quickly expanded to Sasang and Yeongdo districts following urgent requests, eventually serving over 200 veterans.


Filling the Gaps During National Crises

During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, the Saha District Vaccination Center struggled to find volunteers due to its remote location near an industrial complex.

  • The Response: While others hesitated due to the distance, Busan West Branch immediately deployed a team of young volunteers.

  • The Commitment: They provided consistent support—from parking management to patient monitoring—ensuring no "blind spots" were left in the city's safety net.

"The Need of the Field is Our Standard"

The Busan West Branch’s philosophy is simple: Action is most effective when it meets a specific, practical need. By maintaining a "hotline" with local merchant associations, elderly groups, and resident centers, they ensure their help goes exactly where the government’s reach might fall short.

As Deputy Branch Manager Kim Yo-han stated, "Even if it’s a task others avoid, we will continue to find the 'blind spots' where real change is needed".


Source: https://vo.la/wApXesh

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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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