8 in 10 Students Have a Teacher to Confide In: Shincheonji Gwangju Church Youth Ministry Nurtures Next-Generation Growth

In a fast-paced society where teenagers often struggle with academic pressure and emotional isolation, finding trusted mentors to share personal concerns can make all the difference. A recent internal survey conducted among 512 middle and high school students at Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Peter Tribe (Gwangju Church) , revealed remarkable results: 80% of students responded that they have a teacher they can confide in regarding school life and daily challenges. Furthermore, 76% shared that they experienced personal growth through church life and youth ministry activities. Equipping Teachers Through Empathy and Dialogue Training Behind this high rate of trust is Gwangju Church's continuous focus on empowering its educators. The youth ministry regularly conducts counseling and communication training for teachers. Rather than offering generic advice, teachers review real-life student case studies, practicing how to step into a teenager's shoes and adopt empathetic language and...
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European Religion Scholars and Human Rights Lawyers Call for Release of 95-Year-Old Korean Religious Leader

International scrutiny regarding South Korea’s legal proceedings against minority religious groups reached a new high during the Ninth Annual Conference of the European Academy of Religion (EuARe) held in Rome. European scholars of religion and legal experts voiced strong appeals demanding the immediate release of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who remains in detention on charges involving the Political Parties Act.

The session titled "Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context" provided a platform for prominent international figures to assess South Korea's actions through the lens of international law and universal human rights standards.

Direct Appeals from European Scholars and Legal Experts

During the conference, leading experts expressed grave concerns that detaining a 95-year-old individual over non-violent allegations breaches fundamental international legal frameworks.

  • Dr. Massimo Introvigne (Founder & Managing Director of CESNUR): Dr. Introvigne emphasized that within EU countries, putting individuals over 80 in custody is restricted to rare exceptions involving violent crimes. He stated:

    "What Korea is doing to this elderly religious leader is in violation of international law, including the United Nations' Mandela Rules, which mandate that preliminary detention should be, in general, not the rule... So what is happening is an unmitigated scandal, which hides a political and religious vendelta."

  • Eric Roux (President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom): Highlighting the moral and reputational implications for South Korea, Mr. Roux remarked:

    "A man of 95 years old being put in jail is not something that you can reconcile with the objective of respecting human dignity... Get that man out of jail and do it now to avoid something that would be very detrimental to the reputation of South Korea."

  • Alessandro Amicarelli (Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief): Speaking from a legal standpoint, human rights lawyer Amicarelli expressed alarm over South Korea’s departure from its democratic principles:

    "As a human rights lawyer, I always considered South Korea a true democracy where human rights are upheld... It looks like South Korea is departing from its own Constitution, its own human rights foundation." 

Escalation to the United Nations

The concerns raised in Rome build upon recent joint submissions to the United Nations. International human rights organizations, including United for Human Rights and CAP-LC, formally submitted a written statement (Document No. A/HRC/62/NGO/236) to the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The statement explicitly highlighted that framing members' voluntary political registration as "religion-politics collusion" contradicts the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It further cautioned against official rhetoric that labels minority groups as "criminal organizations," noting such actions undermine the presumption of innocence guaranteed under democratic rule.

Protecting Democratic Legitimacy Through Due Process

As academic institutions and international NGOs step up their advocacy, global attention remains focused on whether South Korea's judicial authorities will heed these warnings. The consensus among international experts is clear: safeguarding freedom of religion and ensuring fair, proportional treatment for elderly individuals are not merely local issues, but core obligations essential to maintaining South Korea’s standing as a respected democratic nation.

Source: https://vo.la/Fuqks9I

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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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