Noah Brown

Venerable Yongjin is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul District Court on the afternoon of the 1st, urging the granting of bail and medical treatment for Chairman ManHee Lee

On the afternoon of the 1st, Venerable Yongjin held a solo protest outside the Seoul District Court, calling for medical bail for Chairman ManHee Lee, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health.

The protest followed reports that Chairman Lee, a 95-year-old national merit recipient, had suffered a spinal fracture while in custody. The placards called for his health to be assessed and for him to receive appropriate medical treatment.

“I heard that a 95-year-old national merit recipient had suffered a spinal fracture while in custody and that his health had deteriorated. From the perspective of human dignity and human rights, I felt deeply saddened,” Venerable Yongjin said.

He added, “We must show respect to those who have dedicated themselves to the country,” expressing hope that medical bail would be considered after a thorough assessment of Chairman Lee’s health and circumstances.

Venerable Yongjin is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul District Court on the afternoon of the 1st, urging the granting of bail and medical treatment for Chairman ManHee Lee

Addressing negative perceptions of Shincheonji, Venerable Yongjin warned against religious prejudice. “We should not judge people based on preconceived ideas or prejudice about their religion,” he said, adding that Buddhism teaches people to “cherish all life and practise compassion.”

“Rather than excluding others because of religious differences, we need to foster mutual understanding and respect,” he emphasised.

Venerable Yongjin is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul District Court on the afternoon of the 1st, urging the granting of bail and medical treatment for Chairman ManHee Lee

He also stressed that elderly defendants’ age and health should be considered in detention and trial decisions. “The law must be applied equally to everyone,” he said. “I hope judgments will be based on objective facts and legal principles rather than personal emotions or social prejudice.”

Venerable Yongjin concluded by expressing hope for a society where people respect one another regardless of religious differences. The protest called for a review of Chairman Lee’s detention status and access to appropriate medical treatment in consideration of his age and health.

Source: vo.la/Hmx7BEV

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Venrable Yongsan, the abbot of Bogwangsa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of 2nd October, urging for a trial without detention and guaranteed medical treatment for 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee

On the morning of the 2nd, Venerable Yongsan, abbot of Bogwangsa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, held a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court, calling for a trial without detention for ManHee Lee, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

Holding a picket sign outside the court, Venerable Yongsan called for consideration of Chairman Lee’s age and health, while emphasising the importance of fair judicial procedures.

“It is unacceptable to detain an elderly person without concrete evidence and conduct an unfair investigation,” he said, questioning the legitimacy and fairness of the investigation process.

He also stressed that religious affiliation or social prejudice should not influence judicial judgment. “We must not judge him without looking at the path he has taken,” he said, adding that other religious leaders had also spoken out after witnessing Chairman Lee’s activities. He called on the media and public to verify the facts rather than relying on a one-sided negative view.

Venerable Yongsan further urged the court to consider the age and health of elderly defendants when determining whether detention is necessary. “Elderly people should not be detained for matters that are not serious crimes,” he said.

He also highlighted Chairman Lee’s status as a Korean War veteran and his activities promoting world peace. “A war veteran who travelled the world calling for world peace should not be treated this way,” he said.

Raising concerns about Chairman Lee’s health while in custody, Venerable Yongsan asked, “What would you do if your health deteriorated?”

His picket highlighted the difficulties of receiving continuous treatment at the age of 95, particularly following a lumbar spine fracture, stating: “It is too cruel that the reality makes even continuous treatment difficult for a 95-year-old who has suffered a fractured lumbar spine.”

Concluding his appeal, Venerable Yongsan said, “I strongly urge for a trial without detention.”

The protest emphasised the need to carefully balance the health and dignity of elderly defendants, the right to a fair trial, and the necessity of detention, while calling for appropriate medical care for Chairman Lee.

Source: vo.la/89cCQWZ

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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:

- https://vo.la/yzggwI0
- https://vo.la/dI7T9fZ
- https://vo.la/mXOeV1U

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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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