[100,000 Graduation Ceremony] “Even after Shincheonji's large-scale event, not a single piece of rubbish was left”

[Cheonji Ilbo = Correspondent Hye-in Choi] “I was deeply impressed by the exemplary behaviour of Shincheonji, which did not leave even one single piece of rubbish behind, even though it was an event held on a global scale. This 100,000 graduation ceremony has overcome the harsh winds of discrimination and maltreatment.” (Hyuk-bu Kwon, former vice chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission)

“In terms of scale and content, everything to do with the graduation ceremony was unmistakably international, and it was nice to see that, despite their scale, the taste of 'Korea' always took centre stage. I've come to believe that 'Shincheonji' will benefit our national interest.” (Reporter A of a certain daily newspaper)

“Shincheonji has been subjected to tremendous political, social, and religious persecution centred on the coronavirus crisis, but it was a tremendous experience to see them overcome all of that and rather spread acts of sacrifice, service, and love. What other church would hold an event on this scale?” (Jae-jun Lee, historical researcher and columnist)

On that day, for safety reasons, the number of participants in the graduation ceremony was limited to 80,000 in Korea, and over 300,000 people participated in the graduation ceremony both online and offline via YouTube Live, broadcast worldwide in 9 languages

The 80,000 seats prepared in Daegu Stadium were filled with a wave of square hats, 20 years since the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Chairman Man-hee Lee) held its first in-person graduation ceremony since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, producing 100,000 graduates, the world's largest theological education institution.

Befitting the global scale of the event, officials from all walks of life, including civic groups, religious circles, academia, media, and culture and arts, attended the Shincheonji 100,000 Graduation Ceremony. The president of the Korea Press Foundation and former members of the provincial council delivered congratulatory speeches, and from the 10:00 am press conference to the 3:00 pm main event, numerous people observed the event and shared their impressions of what they saw and heard with this newspaper.

Hyuk-bu Kwon, former vice chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, who watched the event from beginning to end, said, “Before the event, graduates from all over the country entered one by one from 5:00 a.m., and after the event ended, they left in order until 10:00 p.m.” “The buses mobilised for the event numbered about 2,900, and about 10,000 personnel were mobilised for traffic control, guidance, and safety to maintain order within a radius of 2 km around the venue. There wasn't a single accident.”

Then, in light of his experience covering the opening ceremony of the 1988 Olympics as a reporter, he said, “This large-scale event by Shincheonji Church looked comparable to an event of global stature. Through their spirit of devotion and service amid widespread discrimination and cold treatment, this event seems to have brought hope to this era.”

In addition, he said, “I wish to show my appreciation to the mayor of Daegu who permitted the use of this stadium without partiality, while everyone is caught up in their prejudices and pointing fingers.” He added, “I've seen fresh leadership.”

A reporter from a daily newspaper also said, “The constant smiles of everyone who attended the event as well as the guides left a deep impression and created a good image of Shincheonji. The orderliness was willingly and voluntarily practised by each participant in consideration for the other.”

Jae-joon Lee, a historical researcher, also said, “It was wonderful to witness such a beaming event despite the severe persecution. Since ancient times, Korea has been called the 'light of the East'. I hope that we will remember the beautiful faces of those who are keeping their faith and carrying out good deeds even in this chaotic world.”

Shincheonji Church of Jesus held the 'Class 113 Graduation Ceremony' at Daegu Stadium in Daegu City on the same day. A total of 106,186 people graduated on that day, making it the largest theological education institution in the world. Among the graduates of Class 113, there were a total of 522 pastors, 37 domestic and 485 overseas, who graduated, marking a significant increase on previous years.

The number of participants in the graduation ceremony was limited to 80,000 in Korea for safety reasons, and over 300,000 people participated in the graduation ceremony both online and offline via YouTube Live, broadcast worldwide in nine languages.

https://www.newscj.com/article/20221121580388