Noah Brown

Members of the Andrew Church Children's and Student Groups are performing praise and a musical at the 'Andrew Children and Student Joint Dedication Presentation' held at the Andrew Training Centre on 21st June.

Andrew Church of the Andrew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus held its “Dreams, Shine Brighter Season 2” dedication presentation at the Andrew Training Center on 21st June, showcasing the faith development and activities of its Children’s Ministry and Student Groups.

The event featured praise, a musical, and experiential activities. Children and students also helped prepare the venue by cleaning the training centre, putting the values of service and dedication into practice. The programme highlighted activities from the past year, including a filial piety festival, gratitude journals, plogging, and community service.

The musical portrayed children reflecting on the dedication of adults and considering how they could contribute themselves. For the finale, the performers joined the wider Children’s Ministry and Student Groups in a chorus celebrating unity and harmony.

Jeong-woo Lee, the leader of the Andrew Tribe, is delivering a message on the theme "A Wonderful World, A Wonderful Person" at the "Andrew Children's Joint Dedication Presentation" held at the Andrew Training Center on 21st June.

Jeong-woo Lee, leader of the Andrew Tribe, spoke on “A Wonderful World, A Wonderful Person,” saying, “To create a better world, we must first become wonderful people.”

He added, “The more rapidly changing the times, the more important unchanging values and proper learning are,” emphasising that parents and children should learn and practise filial piety, truth, and love together.

He also expressed hope that the children and students would develop sound values, nurture their dreams through the Word, and continue to grow even more brightly.

An Andrew Church official said, “This presentation, prepared jointly by the Children’s Ministry and the Student Group, was a time that deeply moved and resonated with the congregation,” adding that the church would continue supporting the next generation through faith education and diverse experiences.

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As South Korea prepared to celebrate Chuseok (24-27th September), the nation’s harvest festival of family and gratitude, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group brought the spirit of the holiday to communities in Daejeon, Gunsan, and Mokpo through acts of remembrance, care, and service.

Daejeon: Remembering Fallen Heroes

On 17th September, 33 volunteers, including 13 young adults, from the Daejeon Branch visited Daejeon National Cemetery for the “Hero Stories: Let’s Remember Our Heroes!” activity.

Over two hours, they cleaned approximately 2000 gravestones in Soldiers’ Cemetery Section 3, tidied the grounds, and paid their respects.

One visiting family member from Cheonan said, “Just knowing that our heroes are not forgotten means the world to us.”

A young volunteer reflected on the sacrifices of Korean War veterans, many of whom were only in their early twenties: “It made me realise that the peaceful daily life we enjoy today was made possible by their tremendous sacrifices.”

Gunsan: Sharing Homemade Chuseok Meals

The Gunsan Branch prepared and delivered homemade Chuseok meals to 30 households, including Korean War veterans, seniors living alone, and members of the Korea Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities.

Volunteers prepared kimchi, beef radish soup, and samsaek-jeon before personally delivering the meals to residents.

Branch Director Han-bit Lee said the activity was intended to provide practical support during the holiday and that volunteers would continue visiting and serving local neighbours.

Mokpo: Bringing Cheer to Local Merchants

On 19th September, 46 volunteers from the Mokpo Branch visited Mokpo Freedom Market, distributing “Chuseok Happiness Gift Boxes” containing mixed nuts, yakgwa, hand creams, and vitamins.

They also cleaned the market entrances and surrounding alleys, removing litter and cigarette butts ahead of the holiday.

One merchant said the volunteers’ gifts and warm wishes brought “the human touch and festive spirit” during the busy Chuseok season.

A Season of Gratitude and Service

Through these Chuseok activities, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group honoured those who sacrificed for the nation while supporting neighbours in need. The group continues to serve communities across South Korea through practical acts of care and community service.

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Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Bucheon Branch are styling the hair of elderly people with disabilities at the Wonjong-dong Welfare Centre for the Disabled on 22nd September.

“It is usually difficult for me to visit a hair salon because I get carsick, so I’m very grateful that the volunteers came directly to my home to style my hair.”

On the 22nd, Mr. Jeong Byeong-pyo, 85, of Ojeong District, Bucheon, expressed his gratitude after receiving a haircut and beauty service at the Welfare Centre for the Disabled in Wonjong-dong, Bucheon.

The centre was transformed into a neighborhood hair salon as volunteers provided haircuts and styling to elderly people with disabilities. Rather than offering standard cuts, volunteers considered each person’s face shape and hair condition before finishing with blow-drying and styling. While waiting, seniors were accompanied by volunteers who talked with them and listened to their everyday concerns.

The Bucheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, led by Branch Manager Gyu-chan Kim, organised the service for elderly people with disabilities affiliated with the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Welfare Association for the Disabled. The activity was supported by volunteers with more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, who donated their professional skills to the local community.

The initiative aimed to address the difficulties many elderly people with disabilities face when travelling to hair salons because of mobility challenges. Instead of requiring seniors to travel, volunteers brought the service directly to them.

Ki-ho Kim, chairman of the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Association for the Welfare of the Disabled, highlighted the practical challenges involved, saying, “There were many cases where we had to arrange transportation for elderly people who normally find it difficult to visit hair salons.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group has worked in cooperation with the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Welfare Association for the Disabled for the past five years. Since beginning the hair and beauty service last month, volunteers have continued to provide support tailored to the needs of elderly people with disabilities.

Beyond haircuts, volunteers also spent time talking with seniors as they waited, asking about their well-being and listening to their stories. The initiative therefore provided not only practical grooming services, but also companionship and personal attention to members of the local community.

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The Seoul Branch of the Korean War Veterans Association is holding a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of 7th September, urging the granting of medical bail for the detained Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. (A.I. generated)
Korean War veterans have submitted an urgent petition urging the court to grant bail to Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, 95, who suffered a spinal fracture while in detention.

The Songpa-Gangdong Branch of the Seoul Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association of Korea said on the 20th that it decided to submit the petition after learning of Chairman Lee’s injury. The group appealed, “Please do not ignore the desperate plea of the old soldiers who defended the country.”

Seoul Central District Court

Chairman Lee, a Korean War veteran and adviser to the Seoul Chapter, has maintained a long-standing relationship with the veterans’ association. The veterans recalled his support for elderly war veterans, particularly when care and assistance were difficult to obtain.

They expressed concern about the serious health risks fractures can pose to people in their nineties, including muscle loss and other complications from prolonged bed rest. They also warned that repeated release and re-detention could disrupt Chairman Lee’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. The petition calls for Chairman Lee to remain in hospital for intensive treatment while his trial continues. The veterans said they believe he would comply with any conditions imposed by the court and attend all required proceedings if granted bail.

ManHee Lee, 95, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

The association stressed that its appeal is not intended to influence the court’s determination of Chairman Lee’s guilt or innocence. At a press conference outside the Seoul Central District Court on the 7th of this month, the veterans likewise said they were not seeking special treatment because Chairman Lee is a war veteran, but consideration for his health and right to appropriate medical care.

The petition acknowledged the importance of the law while appealing for humanitarian consideration for an elderly defendant. The veterans said that, having served on the battlefield more than 70 years ago, they understood the importance of law and order but also believed that “the law should protect human life and the health rights of elderly patients.”

Chairman Lee has been on trial since his detention on 24th June over allegations including violations of the Political Parties Act. His detention has reportedly been suspended three times because of health concerns, with him subsequently returned to custody twice. Following a bail hearing on the 21st of last month, the court has yet to issue a final decision.

The Songpa-Gangdong Branch plans to submit the petition to the Seoul Central District Court through Chairman Lee’s legal representatives. It also plans to petition the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the appropriateness of medical treatment provided to elderly inmates in correctional facilities.

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Won-jung Park, the temple director of Sugyesa, is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of 22nd September, urging the granting of medical bail to Chairman ManHee Lee.

On the morning of 22nd September, Won-jung Park, Director of Sugyesa Temple, held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court, calling for medical bail for 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee.

His picket sign read: “Chairman ManHee Lee, a super-elderly man at 95 years old suffering from a fractured spine, is enduring pain in the detention centre. Please grant him bail so that he can receive treatment.”

Park said, “I believe the charges applied to Chairman Lee are contrary to the facts,” adding, “Looking at this matter, I also felt that it was an unjust persecution of religion.”

He explained that his decision to participate followed encounters with interfaith initiatives and peace activities. “Through interaction with the Religious Unity Office and the peace organisation HWPL, the misunderstandings I had about the Chairman were resolved and my perception improved,” he said. “Although I am a mere individual, I participated with the hope that the Chairman’s medical bail would be granted soon.”

Park said that standing alone outside the court initially felt unfamiliar, but the experience prompted him to reflect on the importance of judging others based on facts rather than religious differences.

“I thought someone might pick a fight or provoke me during the protest, but I stayed in my place undisturbed under the blue sky and white clouds,” he said. “I hope we can become a society where we can respect and talk to each other, even if we have different religions.”

After completing the protest, Park remained at the site and voluntarily cleaned up rubbish in the surrounding area.

Reflecting on the experience, he said, “This one-person protest was a time for me to reflect on myself.” He added, “I hope that the Chairman will not be in prison at least for the Chuseok holiday and that his medical bail will be granted soon.”

Park also expressed hope for a society in which people can respect different beliefs and address disagreements through dialogue and understanding rather than conflict and misunderstanding.

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On 20th September, a citizen participates in a fire extinguisher usage experience programme.

Ahead of Chuseok, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Songha Branch held a fire prevention campaign on 20th September in the Pureungil Park area of Jinwol-dong, Gwangju, highlighting fire safety during the holiday period.

According to the National Fire Agency, 1170 fires occurred nationwide during the Chuseok holiday period from 2019 to 2023. Of these, 425 were residential fires, with 240 cases (56.4%) attributed to negligence, including cooking and discarded cigarette butts.

The campaign provided citizens with hands-on training in using fire extinguishers and responding to fires in their early stages. Participants also tested their knowledge through an OX quiz at the Fire Prevention Mobile Game Zone.

The Songha Branch introduced the 119 Fire Evacuation Safety Call system for people who may require assistance during evacuation, including older people and those with mobility difficulties. Safety leaflets and fire-extinguisher-shaped keyrings were also distributed.

A parent who participated in the quiz with their child said, “I was surprised to learn that one small powder fire extinguisher can do the work of more than one fire engine in the early stages of a fire.” The participant added, “I plan to check the locations of the fire extinguishers in my home and vehicle once again.”

Citizens were also reminded to practise basic precautions, including not leaving cooking unattended, disposing of cigarette butts safely, checking heating appliances and ensuring fire extinguishers are accessible and in good condition. Those visiting ancestral graves or going hiking were advised to take additional precautions against wildfires.

A Songha Branch official said, “We hope that the upcoming Chuseok holiday will serve as an opportunity for citizens to reflect once again on the importance of fire prevention and practise safety rules in their daily lives.” The official added, “We will continue our activities to spread a culture of safety in everyday life.”

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Jong-chun Lee, representative of Taebaek Jingyo, is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of 23rd September, urging the granting of bail to Chairman ManHee Lee.

Representative Jong-chun Lee of Taebaek Jingyo held a one-person protest on the morning of the 23rd September, calling for the health and treatment rights of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee to be respected and urging the court to make a prompt decision on his bail.

Holding a sign that read, “95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee is suffering from a fractured spine while in detention. Please grant bail promptly so that he does not miss the critical window for treatment,” Lee urged the court to take his age and medical condition seriously.

Lee highlighted Chairman Lee’s long-standing peace activities, saying, “He is someone who has devoted his entire life to world peace and intends to spread God’s will on this earth for the rest of his life.” He expressed concern that an elderly man over 95 was facing investigation and trial while in custody.

Questioning his continued detention, Lee said, “It is difficult to understand why bail is not granted when the individual is elderly and in poor health,” and suggested that political considerations might be involved.

Lee also stressed the importance of allowing Chairman Lee to continue his peace activities, saying, “If we consider the future of humanity, conditions must be created for someone like him to be active again.”

He urged the court to consider what he described as a low risk of flight and allow ManHee Lee to receive necessary medical treatment while the legal proceedings continue, concluding, “The health and right to treatment of the elderly must be fully considered.”

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Venerable Beopsan (President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Court on the afternoon of 23rd September, holding a picket sign urging the treatment of Chairman ManHee Lee and the granting of medical bail.

On the afternoon of 23rd September, outside a Seoul court, Venerable Beopsan stood quietly with a placard in his hands and began chanting prayers.

At 95 years old, Chairman ManHee Lee is facing trial while dealing with a fractured spine. For Venerable Beopsan, the sight of an elderly man facing serious health concerns became a deeply personal appeal for compassion and medical care.

Venerable Beopsan, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, held a sign that read:

“95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee is suffering from a fractured spine. With a desperate heart, I appeal for medical bail.”

He called on the court to consider the elderly Chairman’s health, life, and human dignity, urging that medical treatment and humanitarian considerations not be overlooked during the legal proceedings.

As he continued chanting, the normally composed religious leader spoke of the emotion he felt.

“Today, I felt a lump in my throat while chanting,” he said.

His words reflected more than a legal appeal. They conveyed concern for an elderly man whose health, he believes, should be given serious consideration.

Venerable Beopsan (President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) bows toward the court during a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Court on the afternoon of 23rd September, urging the treatment of Chairman ManHee Lee and the granting of medical bail.

Venerable Beopsan said he intended to continue his one-person protest until Chairman Lee is released.

“I believe this protest must not stop until the Chairman is released,” he said. He also questioned whether such treatment was appropriate for a 95-year-old senior citizen, particularly in a society that places importance on respecting its elders.

He continued to appeal for medical bail, expressing hope that compassion would prevail.

Venerable Beopsan (President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism) is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Court on the afternoon of 23rd September, striking a wooden drum to urge the granting of medical bail for Chairman ManHee Lee.

As the prayers continued outside the court, his message was simple—whatever the outcome of the case, the dignity and humanity of an elderly person should not be forgotten.

Source: vo.la/ExxcyvD

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A press conference and individual interviews were held on 21st July at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, under the theme "Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity." Sheikh Yussuf Ayami of the Family Development Initiative (FDI) is speaking.

Religious and civil society leaders in Zambia have called for humanitarian consideration in the case of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, who is on trial in South Korea. They urged that his age and health be considered while ensuring due process and human dignity.

The appeal was made at a press conference on the 21st at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka under the theme, “Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity.” The event brought together religious leaders, civil society representatives, and peace activists.

Organisers said the gathering was not intended to influence the trial but to highlight humanitarian concerns regarding an elderly defendant and the importance of due process, including consideration of proceedings without detention.

A press conference and individual interviews were held on 21st July at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, under the theme "Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity." Dr. Evans K. Kaping'a, President of the Apostolic Council of the Christian Union of Zambia (ACOC), is speaking.

A press conference and individual interviews were held on the 21st at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, under the theme "Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity." Elias Elijah Changa, International Presiding Prelate of the Missionary Ambassadors for Global Evangelism (MAGE), is speaking.

Speakers emphasised Ubuntu, an African philosophy often expressed as “I am because we are,” which stresses mutual responsibility and respect for human dignity.

Isaac Mwansa of the Zambia Civil Liberties Union urged greater attention to Chairman Lee’s age. Dr. Evans K. Kaping'a of the Apostolic Council of the Christian Union of Zambia called for humanitarian consideration while respecting South Korea’s judicial system. Sheikh Yussuf Ayami of the Family Development Initiative stressed the protection of the presumption of innocence and freedom of religion or belief.

The event concluded with participants signing a joint petition calling for “humanitarian treatment and the guarantee of due process for elderly people aged 95 and above.”

Source: vo.la/90qcqf2

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Won-bae Song, Dean of Hyeneung International Buddhist University.

Won-bae Song, Dean of Hyeneung International Buddhist University, recently expressed his stance on the continued detention of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee (shortened text).

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The Republic of Korea is founded on liberal democracy and the rule of law. The law exists not only to maintain order but also to protect human dignity and individual freedom. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of religion and state, requiring laws to be applied fairly and without discrimination.

Legal decisions must therefore be based on law and evidence—not religious affiliation, public sentiment, sympathy, or hostility.

Buddhism likewise emphasises both responsibility and compassion. The principle of karma teaches that actions have consequences, while compassion reminds us that accountability should never come at the expense of human dignity.

This balance has become particularly relevant in the controversy surrounding the detention of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, who is 95 years old. Whatever one's view of the case, the question of detention should be determined by law and established legal standards, not emotion or public opinion.

A fair trial requires that guilt be established through due process. Public criticism cannot replace a court's judgment, and the media should report verified facts without prejudging the outcome.

The Criminal Procedure Act treats detention as an exceptional measure, requiring legally recognised grounds such as a risk of flight or destruction of evidence. These standards should apply equally to everyone. Where an extremely elderly person is concerned, factors such as age, health, flight risk, and the possibility of evidence destruction should be carefully considered when determining whether detention is necessary.

Buddhism's Middle Way offers a useful reminder: justice and compassion need not be opposites. A law can be firm while still treating people with dignity.

Ultimately, the case should be decided in court through law and evidence, not public sentiment. A mature legal system upholds accountability while remembering the humanity of those subject to it.

The law must be firm when responsibility is required—but it must never lose its humanity.

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Young volunteers from the Wonju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, who have completed their military service, are visiting a 95-year-old Korean War veteran residing in Hoengseong District, Gangwon Province, to express their gratitude and share a warm embrace.

For the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Wonju Branch, a Chuseok food delivery became something much more meaningful: an opportunity for young people to sit with veterans, hear their stories, and say thank you.

Volunteers prepared homemade jeon and visited national merit recipients in Wonju and Hoengseong. Among them were Korean War veterans Young-hwan Kim and Dong-geun Kim, both 95.

When young men who had recently completed their own military service handed them the food and said, “Thank you for protecting our country,” the veterans and the young volunteers stood face-to-face and exchanged salutes.

Young volunteers who have completed their military service are expressing their gratitude and respect with a salute to a 95-year-old Korean War veteran residing in Hoengseong

More than 70 years separated the two generations, but the moment needed few words.

“I am grateful that young people have not forgotten me,” Young-hwan Kim said. “It warms my heart that they prepared the food themselves and came to visit.”

Dong-geun Kim added, “As I get older, it means even more when someone comes to visit and asks how I am doing.”

For 24-year-old volunteer Min-jun Kim, meeting the veterans was equally moving.

“Listening to their stories made me reflect on their sacrifice and dedication,” he said.

The Wonju branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group preparing holiday foods such as mushroom pancakes, pumpkin pancakes, and skewered pancakes, along with traditional Korean sweets and rice cakes shaped like the Korean flag, to deliver to national merit recipients.

The visit also brought back memories for Vietnam War veteran Myeong-seo Park, 80. As a child, he heard stories about the Korean War and the help Korea received from other countries. Years later, when he had the opportunity to serve in Vietnam, he volunteered.

He served for about one year and eight months beginning in 1969, later learning Vietnamese and working as an interpreter.

“Since I went there and came back, I live with pride, thinking that perhaps I was able to contribute in some way,” Park said.

Volunteers from the Wonju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group are spending a time filled with laughter with a Vietnam War veteran's family, performing a verse of a song chosen during a 'wish drawing'

During the visit, volunteers surprised him with a video message from his daughter. When Park chose “listening to a song” as his wish, a volunteer sang for him, turning the room into a moment of warmth and laughter.

For 78-year-old Vietnam War veteran Hee-tak Yang, memories of Vietnam are connected to a letter he left for his family before departing in 1970.

By the time they received it, he wrote, he would already be on a ship bound for Vietnam.

During his 10 months of service, Yang experienced the fear of artillery attacks.

“I could hear the shells whistling over the barracks, followed by explosions nearby,” he recalled. “Fortunately, there were no casualties.”

More than half a century later, his wish remains simple.

“If the government takes care of those who went to the battlefield, and if people look upon them with kindness, even if only in their hearts, I would be grateful.”

A volunteer official said the visit ultimately became less about delivering food and more about listening.

“We came to deliver food, but instead, we had the opportunity to hear stories from the elderly that we had never known before,” the official said.

For the veterans, it was a visit from a neighbour. For the young volunteers, it was a chance to hear history from those who lived it.

And for a few hours during Chuseok, a simple plate of homemade jeon helped bridge generations.

Source: vo.la/Qvjn7Oh

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