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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Healing the Earth and Marriage: Shincheonji Hanam Branch Hosts Couple’s Plogging Event

According to the latest "Family Status Survey" by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, approximately 52.5% of married couples in South Korea spend less than one hour a day communicating with each other. While this shows a slight improvement from three years ago (58.5%), lack of meaningful connection remains a pressing social issue. In light of "Couples' Day" (May 21st), the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Hanam Branch organized a unique initiative designed to foster marital communication while practicing environmental stewardship.


A Purposeful Date: Plogging for a Cleaner Community

On May 16th, the Hanam Branch hosted a couple's plogging (jogging while picking up litter) and environmental purification event. The activity provided a rare opportunity for busy spouses to reconnect, converse, and actively participate in local climate and environmental protection.

The participants walked from the Misa Cultural Street through the Mangwolcheon Stream area for about an hour, achieving tangible ecological results:

  • Waste Reduction: Collected 50 liters of discarded litter.

  • Water Restoration: Threw 100 Eco-friendly Effective Microorganism (EM) mudballs into the stream to naturally purify the water.

Rekindling Romance Through Shared Volunteerism

The event proved to be an effective catalyst for marital harmony. Participants Lim Seok-jin (57) and Shin Hyun-ju (57) shared their heartwarming experience, noting that the event felt like a nostalgic date from their courtship days. 

"Due to our hectic daily routines, we rarely find time to share together," Lim reflected. "But today, laughing, talking, and cleaning the environment alongside my spouse has genuinely refreshed both my mind and my marriage."

Strengthening the Foundation of the Community

Hanam Branch Head Ko Kyung-bok, who also participated in the cleanup with his wife, emphasized the broader societal impact of the event: "As the core foundation of a family, when married couples communicate smoothly and collaborate, it generates a highly positive wave across the entire local community." Moving forward, the Hanam Branch plans to establish more diverse, inclusive volunteer platforms where couples, youth, and local residents can communicate effectively to foster a collaborative community culture.

Source: https://vo.la/CbsevJx

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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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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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