Noah Brown

Venerable Dongsan (Abbot of Dongsan Temple of the World Buddhist Pontifical Peace Foundation) is holding a picket sign urging bail and leniency for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the morning of 28th September.

On the morning of 28th September, Venerable Dongsan, a Buddhist monk who serves as the abbot of Dongsan Temple, which operates under the World Buddhist Pontifical Peace Foundation, held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, calling for medical bail for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Holding a placard highlighting Chairman Lee’s age of 95 and reported spinal fracture, Venerable Dongsan appealed for his release on medical grounds as he greeted passing commuters.

Expressing his concern for Chairman Lee’s condition, Venerable Dongsan said, “While public officials are returning from the holidays, I felt heartbroken thinking that the Chairman is suffering even during the holidays.” He added, “I believe that things are happening that should never happen.”

He also expressed disappointment over the circumstances surrounding the trial, stating, “Judges should be able to conduct trials with confidence and independence, without being influenced by others, and it is deeply regrettable that this is not the case.” He added that, despite the current difficulties, he viewed the situation as “a process for things to go well.”

Venerable Dongsan (Abbot of Dongsan Temple of the World Buddhist Pontifical Peace Foundation) bows towards the court during a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the morning of 28th September, urging bail and leniency for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Concluding his appeal, Venerable Dongsan expressed faith that circumstances would improve, saying, “Because God and Buddha are present, things will go well.” He pledged to continue his efforts, adding, “I will continue to step my efforts until the day the Chairman is released.”

Source: vo.la/UsVFcEr

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Pastors attending the "Sharing and Exchange Session for Pastors" at the 2026 Shincheonji Bible Seminar, held in Busan last April, are discussing ways to restore trust in the Korean church and expand communication across different denominations and groups

With 75.4% of South Koreans expressing distrust of Korean churches, Shincheonji Busan Church is highlighting the importance of communication and dialogue between denominations to help rebuild public confidence.

The Busan Church of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, affiliated with the Busan James Tribe, recently held a seminar in Busan focused on mutual growth and communication between denominations.

According to the 2026 social trust survey on Korean churches, released by the Christian Ethics Movement (CEM), key reasons for distrust included perceptions that churches prioritise their own interests over the public good and believe their views are the only correct ones.

The seminar explored ways to address these concerns through Bible-centered dialogue, encouraging religious communities to move beyond denominational boundaries and strengthen communication with society.

Young-no Lee, head of the Busan James Tribe, said, “Many of the problems currently facing the Protestant community ultimately stem from a lack of communication.” He added, “Because we do not interact with one another, prejudices have arisen and misunderstandings have accumulated, resulting in the creation of higher walls.”

Pastor Kim, affiliated with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea and serving in Busan for more than 20 years, also emphasised the value of open dialogue.

“Seeing people communicate by returning to the common standard of the Bible, I saw the possibility of expanding channels for dialogue within the religious community,” he said. He added, “Now, we must move beyond the mindset that only we are right and open channels of communication with our neighbours and wider society.”

Shincheonji Busan Church plans to continue fostering interdenominational exchanges and discussions to promote religious understanding and work towards restoring public trust.

Source: vo.la/19IIkmm

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In the lead up to Chuseok (19th-21st September), roads across Korea became increasingly busy as families travelled to celebrate the holiday. Behind these journeys are countless bus and taxi drivers who work long hours to help passengers reach their destinations safely.

To promote road safety and express appreciation for these essential transport workers, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Peter Tribe, organised a “Safe Driving Campaign” on 20th September 2026. The campaign took place across major cities in Gwangju and South Jeolla Provice, including Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu, and Gwangyang.

Practical Support and Encouragement for 126 Drivers

Wearing sashes bearing the message “Safe Driving Today, We Support You!”, church members visited designated drop-off areas and greeted 126 taxi and bus drivers.

Volunteers prepared practical care packages designed to help drivers stay alert and comfortable during the busy holiday period. The packages included:

- Anti-drowsiness supplies: Energy drinks, bottled water, coffee, candies, and anti-drowsiness gum

- Vehicle air fresheners: Providing a more pleasant driving environment

Campaign banners also highlighted essential road-safety reminders, including avoiding speeding, not using mobile phones while driving, wearing seatbelts in all seats, and exercising additional caution in poor weather conditions.

Supporting Road Safety and the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo

In Yeosu, the campaign also connected road-safety awareness with local community support for the upcoming 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.

Volunteers from Shincheonji Yeosu Church presented drivers with specially designed car air fresheners featuring “Daseomi,” the official mascot of Yeosu City. The gifts carried messages such as “Building a Safe Yeosu, Happy Citizens,” combining practical support for drivers with encouragement for the local community.

Drivers Express Their Appreciation

The campaign received positive responses from local transport workers.

One Gwangju taxi driver said, “The anti-drowsiness sweets are a huge help during long shifts. Receiving these items makes me feel safer while driving.”

A regional bus driver shared, “They provided coffee, water, snacks, and drowsiness gum. Having people check in on us encourages me to follow every traffic signal and drive even more carefully.”

A driver in Gwangyang added, “I received a gift last summer as well. I’m grateful that they remembered us again this holiday.”

Some passersby and local residents also expressed interest in seeing similar campaigns extended to private vehicle drivers during future holidays.

Encouraging a Safer Community During Chuseok

A representative of Shincheonji Peter Tribe said, “With heavy traffic during Chuseok, safety awareness among both drivers and passengers is especially important. We hope this campaign reminds people to follow basic safety practices, including wearing seatbelts and taking steps to prevent drowsiness.”

Through practical care packages, road-safety messages, and holiday encouragement, the Safe Driving Campaign sought to support transport workers during one of Korea’s busiest travel periods while promoting greater awareness of road safety across the community.

Source: https://vo.la/c847grD

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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.

Source: vo.la/OwXFZZ9

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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.

Source:

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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.

Source: vo.la/ZsN51Vq

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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.

Source: vo.la/WVAQFvR

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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.

Source: vo.la/IXHgf0R

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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.”

Source: vo.la/wPvI19B

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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.”

Source: vo.la/MCuOBfz

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