The event, titled “Open Dialogue, Right Understanding,” took place on 18th July 2026, at the promotion hall on the first floor of the Thaddaeus Tribe main temple.

Approximately 30 participants, including religious leaders and social organisation representatives from the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region, attended the gathering.

According to the organisers, the event was designed to expand mutual respect and explore ways to strengthen community harmony through open communication among different religious groups.

In the first session, a group discussion was held under the theme, "What is the Mission of a Pastor Desired by God?" Participants shared the view that pastors are responsible for helping believers correctly understand and put the Bible into practice, illustrating this with examples from their ministry experiences.

The second session included a lecture delivered by the leader of the Thaddeus Tribe, Su-jin Kim, on the theme, “The Bible is a Book of Covenants Between the Chosen People and God.” Leader Kim stated, “The mission of a pastor is to correctly convey God's will and promises.”

Kim also explained that exchanges with religious leaders and social figures are intended to address misunderstandings and promote sincere communication.

He emphasised that religion can play a role in reducing social conflict and contributing to public good and peace, adding, "When exchange and communication continue centred on the Bible, the local church community can also be restored."

The Thaddaeus Tribe stated that it plans to continue creating opportunities for communication with religious and community leaders.

Through ongoing dialogue initiatives, the organisation aims to expand cooperation, mutual respect, and community engagement in the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region.

The July event represents one of several efforts to build understanding and collaboration among religious communities at the local level.

Operating under the slogan "A Wonderful Life, Even if Just for Today," the Yangsan Branch hosted a session at the Geumchon Saemaul Hall on 16th June and 21st July. On the 16th, and for seniors unable to view the spring blossoms due to poor health, volunteers provided a healing tea time featuring cherry blossom tea alongside a tactile cognitive activity focused on decorating model trees with pom-poms to stimulate fine motor skills. On the latter date, activities spanned professional hair-grooming services, physical health gymnastics, laughter therapy, health quizzes, and fundamental medical check-ups, effectively encouraging seniors to step out of isolation and engage in lively community interaction.

Meanwhile, the nationwide execution of the "Baekse Manse" programme demonstrates that private volunteer networks can effectively complement public welfare structures. By actively expanding from material distribution to specialised cognitive health tracking and emotional preservation, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Yangsan continues to foster a sustainable, family-like community structure for our seniors.

Despite the sweltering weather, the team worked throughout on the 22nd, moving muddy household items and clearing away home appliances, daily necessities, and various waste rendered unusable by the flooding. A total of 2250 litres of waste were collected from the site that day. They also carried out work around the surrounding environment, enabling residents to resume their daily lives in a safer environment.

Resident testimonies reflected deep emotion:

Another shared:

Volunteers spoke sincerely:

This effort is part of Shincheonji’s long-term mission of service. Even amid widespread misperceptions, the church continues to support society through:

- Disaster relief after fires, floods, and storms

- Environmental cleanups

- Blood donation drives

- Local, hands‑on community support

These acts show faith in action, bringing a universal message of love to every season.

As climate change accelerates, localised torrential downpours have increasingly become a regular threat across South Korea. While municipal governments work to enhance large-scale urban drainage infrastructure, vulnerable residents—particularly the elderly living in older homes—often remain isolated from critical disaster information and maintenance support.

To address these micro-level blind spots during the monsoon season, the Sokcho Church of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus expanded its residential improvement initiative, "Take Care of My House," from an internal church ministry to a broader community relief programme.

By delivering direct disaster response education and conducting physical risk-prevention work, local volunteers are helping low-income and elderly neighbours protect their homes against seasonal flooding.

For decades, many elderly residents in flood-prone, low-lying areas like Cheongho-dong, Sokcho, relied solely on personal experience to survive monsoon season.

Young-soo Kim (70s), a long-time resident whose home was severely inundated during Typhoon Khanun in August 2023—when Sokcho recorded a record daily rainfall of 402.6 mm—recalled that his only preparation was taping old linoleum sheets to his sliding doors to block rising water.

While the Sokcho Municipal Government continuously broadcasts disaster guidelines through media and the national "Safety Stepping Stone" (안전디딤돌) mobile app, municipal officials acknowledge that information often fails to reach elderly citizens who lack digital literacy.

To bridge this gap, volunteers from Shincheonji Sokcho Church directly visited residents who had previously experienced flood damage. They provided hands-on instruction on:

- Installing and navigating the "Safety Stepping Stone" disaster warning app.

- Checking real-time weather advisories.

- Executing practical evacuation protocols during sudden inundation.

“In the past, taping linoleum to my door was all I could do,” shared Mr. Kim after receiving the training. “Now I understand proper evacuation procedures. Having someone come directly to explain these things and worry about my safety with me has been the greatest source of comfort.”

Recognising that severe urban flooding is often exacerbated by minor, neglected maintenance issues—such as clogged street drains, accumulated dead leaves, or overgrown branches—church volunteers actively engaged in risk-reduction labour.

In the home of Young-sik Park (70s), a senior citizen living alone, tree branches had long overgrown his roof, posing a severe threat of drainage blockage and structural damage during strong monsoon winds. Volunteers safely cleared the roof branches, inspected the surrounding drainage, and cleared debris and fallen leaves from rain gutters.

“Flooding occurs not only from record rainfall, but also when small daily hazards combine—like blocked gutters and unmanaged roof branches,” explained Doo-gyun Oh, head of the construction department at Sokcho Church. “Because disaster prevention is far more critical than post-disaster recovery, removing these risks in advance is our top priority.”

The initiative by Shincheonji Sokcho Church demonstrates how grassroots volunteerism complements public administration. While Sokcho City continues its long-term urban flood prevention projects and operates emergency water pumps, the church’s hands-on outreach ensures that vulnerable neighbours are not left behind in the digital or physical shadows.

By transforming an inner-church service into a community-wide safety initiative, Shincheonji Sokcho Church is building a practical, localised safety net—proving that true neighbourly love begins with proactively safeguarding the daily lives of those around us.

A clear example of this civic responsibility took place on 19th July. The Andrew Church of Shincheonji Church of Jesus organised a neighbourhood plogging campaign, gathering 32 church volunteers to clear waste along the streets surrounding their local training institute.

Despite midsummer heat and high humidity, the participants systematically divided into coverage zones to gather cigarette butts, food packaging, and general household waste that had accumulated on nearby roads and sidewalks.

The physical efforts of the volunteers quickly drew warm responses from community members and local seniors resting nearby. Observing the young adults and church members working under the summer sun, several passersby offered words of gratitude and encouragement.

More importantly, the visible cleanup prompted a subtle shift in environmental awareness among the onlookers. One local resident noted after watching the campaign, “Seeing them work so hard in this heat makes me feel that I should never throw away litter carelessly again.”

The initiative also functioned as an internal bonding opportunity for the church itself. Participants reported that working side-by-side in team-based cleanup tasks allowed members from different departments—who rarely interacted during regular services—to naturally communicate and foster unity.

The value of community service often shines through the personal reflections of those who sweat on the front lines.

“Although it was physically demanding due to the heat, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment knowing that our efforts directly benefited the local neighbourhood,” shared one participant. “The experience felt like a healing moment for my own mind as well.”

Another volunteer expressed enthusiasm for future outreach: “Communicating and serving alongside members from other departments made the experience truly meaningful. I definitely want to participate in future plogging activities on a regular basis.”

For Andrew Church, the plogging event was designed not as a one-off performance, but as part of an ongoing initiative to build positive rapport with neighbouring residents through practical social contribution.

To improve the efficiency and environmental impact of future events, leadership at Andrew Church announced plans to pre-purchase designated waste disposal bags and establish a more systematic sorting and post-processing framework for all collected waste.

“This plogging initiative went beyond simple waste collection; it was a valuable time to communicate positively with local residents and put the values of sharing and service into practice,” stated a representative from Andrew Church. “Moving forwards, the church will continue to spread a positive influence throughout the local community through regular clean-up efforts and diverse volunteer services.”

Source: https://vo.la/bNFpAFT

Amid growing concerns over religious division worldwide, a unique event in South Korea is drawing attention for its fresh approach to interreligious dialogue. On 13th July 2026, the House of Buddha, a Buddhist temple located in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, hosted a special interfaith lecture aimed at fostering harmony between Buddhism and Christianity.

What made this third annual gathering particularly noteworthy was a rare cross-lecturing format: a Buddhist monk delivered a presentation on the Christian Bible, while a lecturer from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus discussed Buddhist scriptures.

The initiative comes at a time when the public demand for religious harmony in South Korea is rising. According to data from the 2025 Religious Perception Survey by Hankook Research, 82% of respondents recognised the significant social influence of religion. However, the survey also revealed that 62% perceived religious conflict within society as severe—a 9% percentage point increase from the previous year. Notably, non-religious individuals cited "exclusivity" (45%) and a "lack of communication" (32%) as their primary grievances against religious communities.

To counter this growing insularity, certain Buddhist circles in the Gangwon and Chungcheong regions have been organising interfaith lectures since last year, inviting representatives from Christianity, Confucianism, and other faiths. Following previous events at Gwanumsa Temple in Wonju and Banya Seonwon in Hongcheon, the recent Jecheon gathering drew around 100 participants, including religious leaders and local civic figures.

The highlight of the event was the exchange of doctrinal presentations, designed to look past historical prejudices and uncover shared values.

The core consensus of the seminar was that the ultimate essence of all religion lies in peace. Following the formal presentations, attendees from various backgrounds shared positive feedback during a tea reception.

“Compassion is a defining element of Buddhism, and I was deeply moved to see how thoroughly the Shincheonji lecturer studied the Four Immeasurables,” remarked Venerable Beopjin, the chief monk of Banya Seonwon. “This gathering represents a genuine leap toward mutual happiness.”

An evangelical pastor present at the event, speaking under a pseudonym, called the hosting of a Shincheonji lecture inside a Buddhist temple "groundbreaking," expressing hope that both faiths could learn from each other's wisdom. Furthermore, Sang-gu Lee, head of the local Branch of the Korea Expanded Dead-Leaf Association and a war veteran, noted that his firsthand experience with the tragedies of war made him deeply appreciate the event’s focus on community peace.

Jung-su Lee, the leader of the Philip Tribe, concluded by noting that because a significant percentage of historical global conflicts have roots in religious disputes, finding an answer to peace must begin within religious communities themselves. Organisers stated they intend to continue providing platforms for dialogue to practice the shared values of love, mercy, and peace.

On 11th July, an interfaith prayer meeting was held at Jijangam Hermitage of the Hankuk Buddhist Jogye Order, located in Suyeong District, Busan. Bringing together approximately 40 religious leaders from various denominations, including Buddhism and Christianity, the gathering focused on advocating for the protection of human rights and the establishment of fair judicial proceedings.

Organisers explained that the event was designed to urge law enforcement to remain unaffected by political interests or public opinion, while ensuring that a suspect’s right to defence and fundamental human rights are fully guaranteed throughout investigative processes.

During the prayer meeting, participants raised voices emphasising the need to scrutinise whether the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence and the Criminal Procedure Act's principle of investigation without detention are being faithfully upheld. This discussion emerged amidst the ongoing investigation involving Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

Attendees asserted that, independent of the investigative agency's judgment, a comprehensive review of the suspect’s circumstances must be conducted. They suggested that factors such as the suspect’s age, health status, cooperation with the investigation, and the lack of risk regarding flight or destruction of evidence should be thoroughly weighed. Furthermore, opinions were presented that Chairman Lee's background as a Korean War veteran and his domestic and international peace activities should be considered from a humanitarian perspective.

Venerable Jeonggong, the chief monk of Jijangam Hermitage, strongly emphasised the principles of fairness and equity in law enforcement. “The word 'law' (法) originates from the imagery of flowing water, implying that it must remain as flat and fair as water without tilting to one side,” stated Venerable Jeonggong. He added, “Judicial decisions must never be swayed by political interests or biased public opinion.”

Venerable Jeonggong further argued that because detention is a severe measure restricting a suspect's physical freedom and right to defence, it must be judged with utmost caution. He noted that if an elderly suspect poses little risk of flight or destruction of evidence and is faithfully cooperating with the investigation, the possibility of investigating without detention should be fully examined.

Participants also pointed out that prejudiced or discriminatory standards must not be applied simply because an investigation involves a specific religious organisation. Venerable Jeonggong remarked that applying different standards based on religion or affiliation could undermine the principles of religious freedom and equality guaranteed by the Constitution, reiterating that investigative authorities and the judiciary must judge solely in accordance with the law and evidence.

The prayer meeting featured prayers and speeches from different religious traditions under the themes of "Establishing the Constitutional Principle of the Presumption of Innocence and Protecting Human Rights" and "Rejecting Trial by Public Opinion and Realizing Fair Judicial Justice." Transcending denominational differences, the attendees united in their commitment to solidarity for guaranteeing human rights and restoring judicial justice.

Moving forwards, Jijangam Hermitage plans to continue its interfaith solidarity activities, publicising the religious community's views on judicial justice and the protection of human rights.

Source:

-https://vo.la/MoVN71F

-https://naver.me/Ge7rfebY

The month of June, designated as the Month of Defense and Veterans in South Korea, serves as a vital period for reflecting on the historical costs of peace and national security. To honour the structural sacrifices of young volunteers who lost their lives during the Korean War, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Dongdaemun Branch hosted their "Love for Country, Share Peace Event" on 11th July.

The Dongdaemun Branch held its "National Love, Peace, and Sharing" campaign in front of the Donguibogam Tower in Dongdaemun District, Incheon, focusing on making the meaning of Memorial Day accessible to daily visitors.

The Dongdaemun Branch emphasised that cultivating a continuous culture of remembrance is essential for bridging historical gaps between generations. A representative from the branch stated that the organisation remains dedicated to executing regular, structured peace initiatives to ensure that the sacrifices of national defenders are systematically recognised and remembered by local communities.

Source: vo.la/jpEaZeE

As South Korea faces a record-breaking heatwave—with Seoul reaching up to 38°C (100°F) and under an official heatwave warning—one group of volunteers is bringing much-needed relief to those most at risk.

On 11th July 2026, Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Incheon Branch conducted environmental cleanup activities and a heat-related illness prevention campaign in the area around the Children's Traffic Park in Jemulpo District, Incheon, amidst the continuing heatwave.

The campaign was organised to improve the park environment during the summer while raising public awareness about the importance of preventing heat-related illnesses. Volunteers shared practical heatstroke prevention tips with park visitors through informational placards, encouraging simple everyday measures such as using parasols, staying hydrated, and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Park visitors responded positively, saying the campaign made it easy to understand the benefits of using parasols and provided clear guidance on staying safe during heatwaves. Despite the sweltering weather, volunteers who took part in the cleanup said they found the experience rewarding, taking pride in seeing the park transformed into a cleaner and more pleasant environment.

Branch Manager Su-cheon Kim said, “As the heatwave continues, we hope this campaign encourages residents to incorporate heat-related illness prevention practices into their daily lives.”

Source: vo.la/90Ntdj8

As peak summer heatwaves intensify, maintaining proper nutrition and checking on the physical well-being of elderly citizens has become a vital task for community safety networks. This need is especially critical for ageing war veterans who live alone or face health vulnerabilities. To address these seasonal challenges and express community gratitude, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Sejong Branch conducted its signature "Pink Bojagi" (Pink Wrapping Cloth) care initiative on 2nd July. The team focused on delivering health-boosting Samgyetang (traditional ginseng chicken soup) directly to the doorsteps of local patriots.

The outreach operation was thoroughly coordinated to maximie direct human connection and ensure individual welfare checks:

- Target Recipients: The branch focused its efforts on 18 specific households affiliated with the Sejong Vietnam War Veterans Association.

- Coordinated Deliveries: Operating from 1pm to 6:30pm, volunteers personally travelled to each residential address. Byeong-eun Park, the Branch Head of the Sejong Vietnam War Veterans Association, joined the volunteers to guide the deliveries.

- Holistic Welfare Checks: Moving beyond a simple meal-drop service, volunteers sat down with the senior patriots to inquire after their physical health, monitor their living conditions for seasonal inconveniences, and engage in encouraging intergenerational conversations.

The home visits fostered deep mutual appreciation between the younger volunteers and the ageing national defenders:

- Reciprocal Gratitude: One deeply moved veteran expressed heartfelt thanks for the unexpected visit and targeted nutritional support. To show his appreciation, he presented the volunteers with a bundle of high-quality six-clove garlic that he had cultivated by hand, adding a deeply personal layer to the day's exchange.

- The "Pink Bojagi" Framework: The branch noted that this action is part of their long-running "Pink Bojagi" project—a structured community service designed to deliver nutritious food and emotional care to vulnerable, isolated, and marginalized social brackets to expand a culture of mutual sharing.

The Sejong Branch emphasised that organising structured volunteer efforts for national heroes is a core duty for subsequent generations who benefit from their historical sacrifices. A representative from the branch stated that the group will continuously plan diverse localised support systems and care campaigns to ensure that the values of gratitude and community solidarity are maintained consistently across the region.

As international attention remains fixed on South Korea’s detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji leader Chairman ManHee Lee, Korean domestic experts are exploring the issue through the lens of history and legal tradition. Recently, Jae-jun Lee, a prominent historian and advisor to the Korea Historical Relics Research Institute, raised critical questions about whether the current judiciary is losing touch with historical principles of compassion and constitutional mandates.

At the core of modern democratic jurisprudence lies the Presumption of Innocence, explicitly guaranteed under Article 27, Paragraph 4 of the South Korean Constitution. This principle dictates that a suspect must be treated as innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, serving as a vital shield to protect human dignity during investigative processes.

Historian Lee points out that detaining a 95-year-old individual who poses no realistic flight risk appears unnecessarily severe. This is especially poignant given Chairman Lee's background as a veteran who fought in the Korean War—leading observers to question whether the state is failing to provide the basic dignity and respect due to those who served the nation.

Interestingly, the argument against detaining the ultra-elderly is deeply rooted in East Asian legal history. In his special commentary, the historian highlighted that ancient legal codes consistently restricted the physical detention of advanced-age individuals.

The Tang Code (唐律): Over a thousand years ago, Article 484 of the Tang Code—which formed the bedrock of East Asian jurisprudence—strictly regulated the treatment of suspects aged 70 or 80 and above, stating that they should not be carelessly imprisoned.

The Joseon Dynasty Accord: This humanitarian principle was fully adopted by the Ming Dynasty and subsequently integrated into the legal system of the Joseon Dynasty. Under the reign of King Sejong the Great, judicial officials were constantly reminded to exercise extreme caution and restraint, forbidding pretrial detention for the elderly unless the crime involved high treason.

The historical consensus is clear: true justice has never been about the mechanical enforcement of rules without regard for human vulnerability. When a legal system ignores age and physical fragility, it risks transforming from an instrument of justice into a cold, mechanical apparatus.

True democratic governance is restored when the judiciary aligns itself with both modern constitutional human rights protections and long-standing historical traditions of judicial restraint. Ultimately, as the classic Eastern proverb suggests, Sapi-gwi-jeong (事必歸正)—all things will inevitably return to the right path.

The ongoing legal proceedings against Shincheonji leader Chairman ManHee Lee have shifted from a standard criminal investigation into a broader constitutional debate in South Korea. International and local observers are raising sharp questions about the boundaries of executive power, the presumption of innocence, and the foundational democratic principle of the separation of church and state.

The debate intensified following public statements made by South Korea’s Minister of Justice, Seong-ho Jeong. Upon the formal indictment of the 95-year-old church leader, the Minister publicly declared on social media that "strict criminal punishment is inevitable."

Legal analysts note that under Article 27, Paragraph 4 of the South Korean Constitution, every defendant is explicitly guaranteed the Presumption of Innocence until a final guilt verdict is reached in a court of law. When the head of the executive branch overseeing prosecutors pronounces guilt before the trial even begins, it risks being seen as an institutional directive to the judiciary, potentially compromising the independence of the court.

A more complex issue lies in the intersection of law and religious rhetoric. While Minister Jeong emphasised that religious organisations must remain separate from political entities, his official statement concluded with a direct quote from the New Testament (Matthew 7:15), warning the public to "beware of false prophets."

Legal experts argue that for a sitting Minister of Justice to employ specific religious scriptures to characterise a defendant undermines the constitutional mandate of state neutrality. In a modern democracy, the state must remain strictly secular and neutral, ensuring that minority groups are judged solely by established statutory law, not by theological interpretations.

The integrity of a democratic legal system depends on its adherence to constitutional boundaries. When state actions intended to enforce the law appear to blur the lines of religious neutrality, they invite scrutiny from international human rights watchdogs. Ultimately, the legitimacy of the judicial process relies entirely on upholding constitutional rights equally for all, free from executive overreach or religious bias.

During the peak summer monsoon season, sudden localised cloudbursts often catch daily commuters unprepared, leading to direct inconveniences in high-traffic transit areas. To address these immediate seasonal needs while practising environmental sustainability, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Seoul Dongbu Branch institutionalised a specialised free recycled umbrella sharing initiative. Stationed at Exit 6 of Junggye Station in Nowon District, Seoul, the branch officially launched its centralised distribution operations on 10th July, utilising refurbished umbrellas to provide practical climate relief to local citizens.

The operational framework of the campaign highlights a structured approach to environmental waste and community welfare:

As local temperatures rise sharply before the peak summer heatwaves, ensuring proper ventilation and pest control within older residential structures has become an essential aspect of urban safety. For senior citizens with physical disabilities, however, managing basic home maintenance poses significant structural challenges. To eliminate these residential safety hazards and support clean indoor air circulation, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Bucheon Branch mobilised its specialised home repair initiative on 9th July. The team focused on providing free, professional replacements for severely degraded window insect screens in the Ojeong-gu district of Bucheon.