Shincheonji Church of Jesus regularly opens its doors to the public to provide Bible-based lectures - especially on the Book of Revelation - to address existing misunderstandings and prejudices about Shincheonji among the wider Christian community and foster deeper ties with communities throughout South Korea.
Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus) met with journalists and expressed his will to grow together with the Korean church, which is facing a period of stagnation. Chairman Lee also emphasised that the rapid growth of Shincheonji results from the testimony of the fulfilment of the Book of Revelation, and that the Korean church must verify this testimony for itself even if it is hard to believe.
On the 19th, Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a press conference at the Shincheonji Peace Institute in Cheongpyeong, Gapyeong district, Gyeonggi province. It was a platform for open communication with pastors regardless of denomination, and to make known the purpose and vision of supporting churches.
In particular, Chairman Lee, who has been repeatedly urging the churches to 'Verify the word from Shincheonji in accordance with the Bible', met with reporters in person and had time to present the purpose and results of the recent Shincheonji Bible Seminar, as well as the way for the Korean church to move forward, and to answer questions.
The theme of the day led to the signing of numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which has shown rapid growth in recent times, and the established denominations both in Korea and overseas. An official from Shincheonji Church of Jesus said, “Pastors who are suffering as a result of the declining Christian population and the pandemic have been knocking on the doors of Shincheonji and requesting to sign an MOU.” An MOU enables the revealed theology of Shincheonji Church of Jesus to be taught to respective church congregations.
As of the end of June, there are 8176 churches in 80 countries that have signed an MOU with Shincheonji Church of Jesus. In addition, since the Shincheonji Bible Seminar was held from April to June, 62 new MOUs have been signed in Korea and 1274 outside Korea. Among them, 1237 churches in 33 countries have changed their signboards to Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
An existing pastor who signed an MOU with Shincheonji Church of Jesus appeared in front of the reporters on that day.
Pastor A, who has been pastoring for 20 years as a member of the Presbyterian Church in Busan, said, “Currently, the Korean church is in need of the Word. Even if church members express a curiosity about the Bible, it is common for pastors to not know the word.” “Bible-centred testimony is its biggest strength”, he said.
He added, “One shouldn't be trapped by prejudice, but make sure to listen to this word just once.”
Shincheonji Church of Jesus explained that the signing of the MOU with churches and the Shincheonji Bible Seminar is meaningful in that the Korean churches are becoming one in the Bible. The purpose is to pave the way for mutual development.
Chairman Lee has repeatedly emphasised the need for 'understanding' between religions.
He said, “I have testified to the realities I have seen and heard in the Book of Revelation, but it is a fact which all journalists know that the church has not been able to understand this and that the relationship is not good. However, more and more churches now want to become one with us.”
Chairman Lee said, “The core of religion is to be virtuous. It makes no sense that people of religion quarrel and fight. We need to become one by sharing knowledge. Everything should get better and grow.”
Churches that have signed an MOU with Shincheonji Church of Jesus conduct pastoral activities voluntarily using the theological textbooks distributed by Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Regarding this, Chairman Lee made it clear that this was not being forced on anyone, saying, “If the teaching gains recognition, you can learn it and teach it to the church members.”
An official from Shincheonji Church of Jesus said, “We are providing Shincheonji theology materials and dispatching theology instructors to each church and seminary with which we have signed an MOU.”
He continued, “We will continue to engage and grow together with the Church, regardless of the difficulties, and fulfil our role of giving and volunteering with the local community as well as providing Bible education.”
This is a big step for the words of Shincheonji to be spread to the whole world
ReplyDeleteI have heard that there are many misconceptions about Shincheonji. But thankfully pastors are opening their ears and hearts to hear the word
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