Mr. A, who has operated a Korean restaurant in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, for the past 30 years, expressed concern about the growing opposition to the proposed change of use of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Gwacheon. Tensions have recently intensified in the area, including efforts to gather signatures against the proposed change.

Local merchants say business has already declined since the temple closed six years ago. They worry that continued opposition and exclusionary actions directed at Shincheonji could further hurt the surrounding commercial district and negatively affect local businesses.

In 2006, Shincheonji Church purchased the ninth floor of Newcore Department Store building situated in Byeoryang-dong, Gwacheon, changed the use of the location from “group of facilities for commerce” to “group of facilities for cultural activities and assembly,” and used it as a religious facility (church) for over 15 years without any objection from the city.

However, during the outbreak of COVID-19 in February 2020, the city arbitrarily shut down the church facility with no legal grounds. Even after the pandemic has effectively subsided, the city issued a notice in January 2023, requiring Shincheonji Church to use the venue strictly according to the purpose of cultural activities and assembly and threatened to impose charges for compelling compliance if this is violated. This was a move that practically banned religious activities.

Shincheonji Church subsequently filed twice to change the use of the facility into a religious location, but the city declined them, citing transportation, safety, complaints, community conflicts, etc. as reasons. However, the court dismissed these in full.

The day wasn’t just about items—it was about presence.

Volunteers offered services, helping the senior veterans feel refreshed and cared for.

“I suffered a lot because I joined the war at a young age,” said Mr. Ki-won Lee (90), adding, “I am grateful that you remembered the sacrifices I made back then and came to visit me in person.”

The families of the war veterans also expressed their appreciation to the volunteers. One veteran’s daughter said, “I was unaware that there were volunteer activities where people personally visit veterans’ homes and even clean their air conditioners.” She added, “I am truly grateful that they took the time to come and help despite the sweltering heat.”

Volunteer Mi-jeong Lee (55) reflected: “It broke my heart to see the elderly veterans struggling to make ends meet in the scorching heat. I will try to visit them often in the future.”

A representative from the Pocheon Branch highlighted that the project served a dual purpose: spreading a refreshing culture of community sharing during peak summer heat while providing a meaningful opportunity for everyday citizens to actively remember the sacrifices of 6·25 Korean War veterans.

At a press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club on 7th August, organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside several European organisations focused on freedom of religion and belief, the head of the Seoul branch of the Korean War Veterans Association called for a balanced approach that respects both the rule of law and human dignity.

Jae-sik Ryu shared that Shincheonji volunteers have continued to support and serve Korean War veterans through various volunteer and outreach activities. He emphasised that the issue is not about asking anyone to overlook wrongdoing, but about ensuring that the basic human rights and freedom of religion guaranteed to every Korean citizen are being fairly respected.

He also pointed out that ManHee Lee is a Korean War veteran and a very elderly person, urging authorities to consider not only legal procedures and public order, but also fundamental human dignity and life.

International human rights experts who attended the press conference likewise stressed that their concern was not to determine the outcome of a particular case in advance. Rather, they questioned whether freedom of religion and expression, the presumption of innocence, proportionality, and human dignity are being fully respected in the process of legal and administrative enforcement.

International human rights organisations also stated that they will continue monitoring the situation and raising concerns about the fundamental rights of religious minorities with the international community and European human rights institutions.

At the heart of the message is a simple principle: Law must be upheld, but human dignity and fundamental rights must never be forgotten.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to expand its community cooperation in Malawi through steady, hands-on volunteer work. In early August 2026, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus – Malawi Region carried out its 22nd “Light and Salt Day” environmental cleanup campaign in central Blantyre, in collaboration with the Blantyre City Council.

This latest activity reflects Shincheonji Malawi’s long-term commitment to environmental care and aligns with the Malawian government’s national “Keep Malawi Clean” policy.

During the 22nd cleanup alone, volunteers collected 1000 kilograms of waste from high-traffic commercial areas in central Blantyre. Since June 2025, Shincheonji Malawi has conducted monthly clean-up campaigns, bringing the total accumulated waste collected to 18,000 kg.

Since January 2026, the organisation has increased the frequency of cleanup activities to twice per month, reinforcing its role as a consistent community partner rather than a one-time participant.

Arguably, the most prominent change this year is the installation of waste cans and waste collection bins. With collection infrastructure established centred around the activity areas, household waste that used to pile up on the streets has started to be managed more systematically than before.

While campaigns pre-2026 focused on road cleanup in the Mbayani community, subsequent rounds have typically expanded into Blantyre’s urban centre—an area with dense commercial activity and higher waste output.

By moving into the city’s busiest zones, Shincheonji Malawi aims to make a visible impact while actively supporting local government sanitation efforts.

For many participants, the cleanup was more than a civic duty—it was a practical expression of faith.

“I wanted to practice what I learned in daily life,” said Hanreck Benford (22) from Mbayani. “Seeing the city become cleaner with our own hands was deeply rewarding. I want to keep taking part in activities that help our community.”

Such testimonies highlight how volunteer service has become an avenue for personal growth as well as social contribution.

A Shincheonji Malawi representative shared future plans, stating that the group intends to:

- Continue regular environmental cleanup activities

- More proactively assess locations for public waste bin installation and implement them in phases

- Expand cooperation into peace education programmes for youth and teenagers

“These efforts are about building a healthier, cleaner, and more harmonious community,” the representative explained.

Through eight consecutive clean-up campaigns and increasing collaboration with municipal authorities, Shincheonji Malawi is demonstrating how faith-based organisations can contribute meaningfully to public welfare.

By combining environmental action, government cooperation, and community participation, the initiative continues to bring tangible change to Blantyre—one cleanup at a time.

Source: vo.la/TnZbKj3

In recent years, a cultural trend known as “Text Hip” has emerged among younger generations, turning the reading and sharing of meaningful, thought-provoking texts into a fashionable and rewarding lifestyle. According to the 2025 National Reading Survey conducted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reading rates among people in their 20s have shown a noticeable recovery.

Yet, as young people increasingly seek opportunities for quiet reflection and shared reading, many traditional churches are experiencing the opposite trend: declining engagement with the Bible among younger members. This growing disconnect has raised concerns about the future of faith transmission to the next generation.

Against this backdrop, the Gwangju Church of the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus is attracting attention for fostering a distinctive, youth-led culture centred on “Reading Together,” creating a space where young people can explore Scripture, exchange ideas, and grow in faith together.

A survey on young adults’ perceptions of the church, published by the Cultural Mission Institute, found that many young people are seeking churches that provide “faithful scriptural guidance that offers genuine comfort and direction in life.”

Responding to these spiritual needs, Shincheonji Gwangju Church has developed a diverse range of structured Bible programmes, including full-text Scripture reading, daily devotionals (QT), verse transcription, and Scripture memorisation.

One of its flagship initiatives is “Revelation Morning Meditation and Memorisation.” Originally launched online in December 2021, the programme is now held every Thursday in both online and offline formats, attracting an average of 4500 young adults each week. Rather than approaching Scripture as abstract doctrine, participants are encouraged to memorise the Book of Revelation and apply its teachings to their everyday lives.

For more than two and a half years, the church has also provided all members with curated meditation guides every Monday. These resources aim to bridge the gap between biblical context and contemporary life, helping participants reflect on how Scripture can inform and respond to the challenges they encounter in their daily lives.

Beyond encouraging Bible reading, the initiative’s deeper impact lies in its ability to foster genuine human connection among young believers.

Sang-min Kim (35), a regular participant, shared: “Reading the Bible alone was always difficult to sustain. But reading it together made it a natural and enjoyable habit. Hearing how others apply the Word to their everyday struggles also gives me an opportunity to reflect on my own life.”

Another young member, Bo-hyun Park (29), emphasised the emotional support the programme provides: “Through sharing Scripture, I found an authentic community where I can comfortably open up about my life. Reading the text is important, but having people to process and share it with has given me tremendous strength.”

According to representatives of the Gwangju Church, the ultimate purpose of these gatherings goes beyond simply measuring how many pages participants read. Instead, the goal is to cultivate a healthy environment in which faith can grow alongside meaningful fellowship and genuine relationships.

By connecting the younger generation’s growing interest in “Text Hip” with the long-standing tradition of communal Bible study, Shincheonji is presenting a model in which Scripture serves as a shared foundation for connection and reflection. The initiative suggests that when young people are given opportunities to engage with Scripture in a supportive community, they can find not only spiritual direction but also meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on 7th August 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles.

Organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Following the press conference, the participating international delegates submitted a Statement to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), advocating for the humanitarian treatment of ultra-elderly detainees. What follows is the content of this petition, titled 'Statement to the Government of the Republic of Korea.'

"We, scholars and human rights activists from various European countries, respectfully submit this statement after visiting and meeting with Chairman Lee Man-hee and related officials on August 6, during which three of us met the Chairman at his place of detention. As academics, we have studied Shincheonji for many years: one of us has repeatedly interviewed Chairman Lee and authored what are widely regarded as the standard scholarly accounts of the movement; others have produced monographic studies on its international missionary development in several countries.

We hold the deepest respect for the democratic institutions of the Republic of Korea and have no desire to interfere with the functioning of its justice system. We note, however, that the case against Chairman Lee unfolds in a climate where media representations of Shincheonji as a “cult” often rely on polemical accounts by religious opponents who denounce it as “heresy,” while disregarding the findings of academic research.

We also observe that Korean legislation concerning the political participation of clergy is among the most restrictive in the world and may be difficult to reconcile with international norms affirming the right of believers to take part in political life. In several democratic countries, political parties inspired by religious organizations exist, and the United States is currently considering the removal of commissions limiting clergy from endorsing candidates.

Chairman Lee is ninety-five years old. In the European Union, from which we come, pre-trial detention for older defendants is considered an exceptional measure, permitted only when violent crimes are alleged—which is not the case here. In comparable situations, defendants are placed under house arrest.

This approach is consistent with the Mandela Rules and other United Nations standards.

For humanitarian reasons, and in accordance with international principles protecting older defendants, we respectfully request the immediate release of Chairman Lee from custody, so that he may stand trial without being held in detention."

Signed

Following the press conference, participating international delegates submitted a formal petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), calling for the humanitarian release of 95-year-old ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and urging that any legal measures taken against him remain proportionate to the circumstances.

When international human rights experts and South Korean civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Centre in Seoul on 7th August 2026, they delivered a clear and unified message: protecting religious freedom is not about endorsing any particular theological belief, but about upholding the universal principles of human rights.

Organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) in collaboration with CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, the press conference focused on growing concerns regarding state neutrality, due process, and the continued pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

A central theme raised by the international legal experts was South Korea's obligations under international human rights law. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is required to ensure that pretrial detention is used only when it is necessary, lawful, and proportionate.

Thierry Valle, President of CAP-LC, questioned whether the continued pretrial detention of a 95-year-old defendant is consistent with these international commitments. He argued that, in comparable circumstances, humanitarian alternatives such as bail or house arrest are widely recognised and routinely employed in many legal systems around the world.

To illustrate this principle, Valle pointed to several international precedents:

Dr. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR also referenced the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), arguing that the detention of a 95-year-old individual facing non-violent charges should be assessed in light of humanitarian considerations. He maintained that alternatives such as house arrest would better reflect the principles of proportionality and respect for human dignity embodied in international standards.

On 1st August 2026, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony – Brisbane Branch hosted the Declaration of Religious Freedom & World Peace Conference from 2pm to 4pm in Brisbane, Australia.

The conference brought together religious leaders, pastors and human rights advocates to provide a platform for dialogue on religious freedom, human rights and peaceful coexistence.

The primary focus of the event was the recent detention of Chairman Lee and what organisers described as its implications for religious freedom in South Korea.

According to publicly reported information, Chairman Lee was detained on 24th June and indicted on 30th June over alleged breaches of South Korea’s Political Parties Act. Investigators allege that he directed the registration of approximately 50,000 Shincheonji Church members with a political party between July 2021 and January 2024. Shincheonji Church has denied the allegations, maintaining that members participated voluntarily as individual citizens and stating that both the church and Chairman Lee have fully cooperated with investigators throughout the inquiry, including during search and seizure procedures.

Presentations during the Brisbane conference introduced Chairman Lee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, noting his service as a veteran of the Korean War and his longstanding emphasis on peace, reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. These experiences during the war shaped Chairman Lee’s commitment to preventing future conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding.

The keynote address by a Shincheonji spokesperson outlined the purpose of the conference and emphasised the importance of protecting religious freedom and promoting peace. Further presentations provided an overview of Chairman Lee’s leadership, teachings and peace initiatives, as well as Shincheonji’s humanitarian work and international engagement in fostering interfaith dialogue. An overview of the current legal proceedings was also presented, followed by an invitation for attendees to support the Declaration of Religious Freedom & World Peace and consider signing a joint petition advocating for the protection of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence in South Korea.

Several speakers shared their experiences with Shincheonji Church and Chairman Lee, while others spoke on the importance of religious freedom. Speakers stated that Chairman Lee’s experience as a survivor and veteran of the Korean War has influenced his lifelong commitment to peace and reconciliation. They also stated that Shincheonji Church has cooperated fully with the investigation since search and seizure operations began in January 2026 and noted that no court verdict has yet been delivered.

Several speakers expressed the view that minority religious groups can face prejudice because they are outside traditional denominations and argued that legal processes should remain impartial regardless of a group’s religious affiliation. Reference was also made to Chairman Lee’s previous detention during the COVID-19 pandemic under South Korea’s Infectious Disease Control Act. Speakers noted that he was detained for 104 days before later being found not guilty in those proceedings, arguing that this illustrated the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

The conference also featured remarks from guest speakers Dr Arsalan M. Falarti, Reverend Peter Moore and Pastor Desire Ntahiraja.

Dr Arsalan spoke of having met Chairman Lee at several conferences and peace events in South Korea. Drawing on those personal experiences, he described Chairman Lee as a person of kindness who demonstrated a genuine commitment to peacebuilding. He said he believed the detention was unfair and unjust.

Pastor Desire remarked:

Other attendees also expressed surprise at Chairman Lee’s age and his detention. Pastor Akopa Deng encouraged those present to stand together in support of religious freedom, saying that issues of justice affect everyone regardless of religious affiliation. He suggested that people should consider how they would wish to be treated if they found themselves in similar circumstances to Chairman Lee. He endorsed the need for petitions and events such as this to raise awareness of the issue.

Evangelist Chris Ebare expressed support for the purpose of the event and welcomed the gathering. He said he hoped to involve other ministry leaders in future events and emphasised the need to raise awareness internationally and encourage other nations to lend their voices in support.

The conference concluded with religious leaders and attendees signing the Declaration of Religious Freedom & World Peace together with a joint petition calling on South Korean authorities to consider Chairman Lee’s age, health and the non-violent nature of the allegations when determining whether continued detention is necessary.

Several Brisbane and Gold Coast religious leaders expressed concern that the continued detention of a 95-year-old religious leader in a case involving non-violent allegations raises important humanitarian and human rights questions. Speakers concluded by encouraging continued dialogue, respect for due process, protection of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence among all faith communities.