The Legacy Hotel in Bangkok recently hosted a unique event that celebrated interreligious harmony, featuring the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center's Graduation of Class 115. This graduation ceremony, part of a global celebration by the Shincheonji Church, gathered 30 general members and 30 graduates from the Shincheonji Thailand Church. Among the attendees were 20 Thai monks, part of a special initiative known as the Bible Experience Program (BEP), which has attracted religious leaders from various faiths, including Buddhism, to explore the teachings of the Bible.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of mutual respect and curiosity. It was a striking moment to witness Thai monks, clad in their distinctive orange robes, standing alongside Christian participants and celebrating a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates. The gathering underscored the growing trend of interreligious exchanges and offered a glimpse into how different faith communities can find common ground. A notable feature of the ceremony was a speech by a teenage member of Shincheonji, who presented an insightful message on the theme of birth, ageing, sickness, and death. The young speaker captivated the audience, demonstrating that the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Centre’s curriculum enables its members, regardless of age, to achieve a profound understanding of the Bible.
The audience, including religious leaders from diverse backgrounds, listened intently as the young speaker shared personal reflections and spiritual insights. This part of the ceremony highlighted the depth of education provided by the Mission Centre, showcasing the students' ability to articulate complex theological concepts with clarity and passion.
Ven. Tejinda, a monk and participant of the BEP, shared his transformative experience with the programme. He expressed that before joining, he knew little about the Bible. “I had never studied the Bible before and didn’t even know how many books it contained,” Ven. Tejinda said. “The BEP has given me a clear understanding of Revelation and has provided a clear definition of ‘religion.’ I now have a newfound respect for this sacred text, and I recommend others participate in this journey of learning.”
Ven. Tejinda’s participation in the BEP exemplifies the open-minded approach of religious leaders in Thailand who seek knowledge beyond their own traditions. His sentiments reflect the broader goals of the Shincheonji Thailand Church, which has actively promoted peaceful interfaith exchanges through such educational initiatives. The BEP programme, which covers both introductory and advanced studies, encourages participants to explore the Bible's teachings, fostering a greater appreciation for Christianity's spiritual foundations.
Adding to the significance of the ceremony, Shincheonji Thailand Church signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Migrant Worker Center (MWC), an institution registered with the Thai government. The partnership aims to promote peaceful exchanges between Buddhist and Christian leaders and support migrant workers through education.
During the ceremony, a signboard presentation marked the establishment of the Shincheonji Religious Peace Centre. This centre is dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and educational outreach, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to harmony among various religious communities. Leaders from different faiths who attended the ceremony expressed their hope that such initiatives would continue to build bridges between traditions, creating a harmonious society that embraces diversity.
Since its inception in 1991, the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Centre has rapidly expanded, drawing followers from all over the world. Its teachings, based strictly on the Bible, have attracted hundreds of thousands of graduates. In 2019 alone, over 103,000 people completed the centre’s courses, making it the largest single-denomination graduation ceremony globally.
The success of the Mission Center has continued, with approximately 108,000 graduates in 2023. This ongoing growth is a testament to the Centre’s popularity and the appeal of its in-depth biblical studies, which resonate with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.
Following the graduation ceremony, Shincheonji Thailand Church hosted a follow-up meeting with various religious leaders, discussing the church's educational framework and its focus on scripture. The meeting highlighted further opportunities for collaboration and underscored the shared commitment to peaceful exchanges and understanding among religious communities.
As part of the MOU, the MWC plans to implement special lectures through the Bible Experience Program, targeting both local and migrant communities. These initiatives, coupled with the Shincheonji Church's ongoing efforts, aim to contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected religious landscape in Thailand.
The Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center’s Graduation of Class 115 was more than a graduation—it was a powerful example of how faith communities can come together, learn from one another, and build a foundation of mutual respect. The presence of Thai monks at the event signals a growing recognition of the value of interfaith dialogue, providing a hopeful vision for future religious harmony.
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