As severe summer heatwaves intensify across the southern peninsula, maintaining the physical stamina and emotional well-being of elderly war veterans has become a vital priority for local communities. Marking the traditional summer health period (Jungbok), the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Western Alliance (comprising the Jinhae and Busan Seobu Branches) conducted a series of seasonal welfare operations across Jinhae, Yeongdo-gu, and Saha-gu. This ongoing initiative reflects an established decade-long commitment to honouring national heroes through practical care and innovative emotional programmes.

The seasonal welfare campaign kicked off in Jinhae on 14th July, focusing on direct nutritional care:

The Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom (Joint Solidarity) held a press conference in front of the Seoul Detention Centre on 20th July, calling for the suspension of the detention-related investigation of Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. In a statement released at the event, the group urged authorities to replace the detention with a non-custodial investigation.

Held amid heavy rainfall, the press conference saw dozens of monks, pastors, and civil society representatives stand unprotected from the downpour as they read a statement and delivered speeches calling for action.

Reading the statement on behalf of the group, Venerable Beopsan and representatives of the Joint Solidarity declared, “The Constitution guarantees the dignity of human rights and due process to every citizen.” They added, “The fate of a 95-year-old man's remaining years was determined in a single hour of closed-door questioning. This is violence by vested interests carried out under the guise of due process.”

The Joint Solidarity called on the judicial authorities to immediately suspend custodial investigations and proceed instead with investigations without detention. It also urged prosecutors to refrain from expanding the case through separate investigations and to ensure that all investigative decisions are based on law and verifiable evidence rather than public opinion.

Previously, on 24th June, the Joint Investigation Headquarters of the prosecution and police arrested Chairman Lee on charges including alleged violations of the Political Parties Act. The arrest followed the issuance of a warrant based on investigators' allegation that Shincheonji had systematically encouraged or pressured more than 56,000 members to join the People Power Party during its primary and election processes between 2021 and 2024.

However, speakers at the press conference raised strong objections to both the decision to detain Chairman Lee and the conduct of the investigation, questioning whether the arrest and investigative procedures were appropriate.

Venerable Unbong, head of the Mahayana Buddhist Foundation Beopwangjong, argued that Chairman Lee's detention was unjustified given his advanced age. He stated, “Chairman ManHee Lee is 95 years old and is of such advanced age that his physical ability to care for himself is significantly diminished. Article 471 of the Criminal Procedure Act provides that the execution of a prison sentence may be suspended for inmates over the age of 70. Yet a man who is 25 years older than that threshold remains in detention before his trial has even begun. In itself, this amounts to a form of punishment.”

Rev. Jong-taek Chun of the Southern Baptist Convention emphasised the dangers of religious persecution and collective stigmatisation, highlighting, “If the application of the law differs because a religion is a minority, that is not the rule of law, but the tyranny of the majority.”

Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye, head monk of the House of Buddha, expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic due process. He stated, “The detention review hearing held on 28th June concluded behind closed doors after just one hour, and the petition was dismissed.” He continued, “When due process is disregarded and procedural safeguards are set aside because of public opinion directed at a particular individual, it is no longer democracy.”

The Joint Solidarity pledged to continue its campaign until the investigative authorities replace the current custodial investigation with a non-custodial one. The coalition said it would continue advocating for the protection of human dignity, fair and impartial law enforcement, and the rule of law.

European scholars of religion are making strong appeals to the South Korean government to release ManHee Lee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church, who remains in detention.

Chairman Lee was detained on 24th June on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act and was indicted on 29th June. The Joint Police–Prosecution Investigation Headquarters alleges that, between July 2021 and January 2024, he directed the mass registration of approximately 50,000 church members into a particular political party.

In response, Shincheonji Church stated that individual members freely participated in political activities and that both Chairman Lee and the church have faithfully cooperated throughout the entire investigation process, including the searches and seizures. The church also expressed deep regret, stating that detaining Chairman Lee, an elderly man aged 95, amounts in effect to a form of physical punishment.

The European Academy of Religion (EuARe), a non-profit academic network connecting scholars and institutions of religious studies across Europe, held its Ninth Annual Conference in Rome, Italy, on 3rd July, where the circumstances surrounding Shincheonji Church were addressed. During the session titled “Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context,” European scholars of religion presented their respective academic papers on Shincheonji Church. The recent situation in South Korea, including the detention of Chairman Lee, was also shared with participants.

At the conference, Dr. Massimo Introvigne, a sociologist of religion and the Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), commented on the detention of Chairman Lee as follows:

Eric Roux, an interfaith advocate and President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), who also participated in the session, reiterated the injustice of detaining an elderly person:-

Human rights lawyer Alessandro Amicarelli expressed concern, citing South Korea’s democratic tradition. He is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, a barrister in Italy, and Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB).

Shincheonji Church emphasised that the detention of Chairman Lee has gone beyond academic interest and is now being raised as an international human rights issue.

The international human rights organisations United for Human Rights and Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP-LC; Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience) submitted a joint written statement on the human rights issues faced by Shincheonji Church to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 25th May (Document No. A/HRC/62/NGO/236; circulated on 10th June). In the statement, the two organisations assessed that “the situation has intensified” in South Korea and noted that framing members’ registration with a political party as evidence of “religion–politics collusion” is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every citizen the right to participate in political life.

The two organisations further stated: “In December 2025, the President ordered the creation of a joint police–prosecutor task force explicitly targeting Shincheonji… Senior officials have publicly referred to Shincheonji as a ‘criminal organisation,’ statements incompatible with the presumption of innocence.” They also added, “We [urge] the Government of the Republic of Korea to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and state neutrality.”

Shincheonji Church noted that “As support and petitions from prominent figures in the international community continue to grow regarding the detention of Chairman Lee ManHee, pressure on the South Korean government and the judiciary is also mounting.” It further said, “The prompt release of Chairman Lee is a matter of safeguarding freedom of religion and human rights, which are core values of democracy.”

In the statement, CAP LC focused less on the controversy surrounding Shincheonji Church of Jesus itself than on the standards by which such matters are assessed. The group expressed concern that negative perceptions and unverified materials formed in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could have a serious impact not only on public opinion in other countries but also on administrative and judicial decisions. CAP LC therefore urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the statement showed that if unfounded stigma were allowed to gain international acceptance, other religious minorities could also be judged in the same manner, underscoring the responsibility of states to protect the rights of all religious minorities.

CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council, or ECOSOC, is an international NGO that has consistently raised internationally watched cases involving religious freedom. It has previously brought before the United Nations issues including the persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over violations of religious freedom stemming from the Japanese government's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the fact that such an international NGO had issued a statement on the matter demonstrated that the case involving the church was not merely a domestic controversy in South Korea, but one that was also drawing attention in light of international human rights standards.

The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries, saying that negative perceptions of Shincheonji Church of Jesus members had gone beyond public opinion and led to administrative proceedings and interference with individuals' social lives.

In the United Kingdom, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji Church of Jesus' application for registration, describing the church as a "cult," a term whose legal definition remains unclear. CAP LC pointed out that the use of such terms without a clear legal basis in official administrative procedures can produce a strong social stigma.

In Germany and other German-speaking countries, cases have been reported of members facing workplace discrimination amid negative public sentiment driven by certain media outlets and church figures. CAP LC said a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists was a major factor in deepening such discriminatory perceptions.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus said such cases were not limited to isolated instances of harm identified in some countries. It said unfounded stigma and unverified claims were causing disadvantages for individual members in their workplaces, families and broader social lives, and called for administrative and judicial decisions in each country to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.

The statement also shed light on controversy in South Korea over political participation. CAP LC criticised claims by some political forces that the party membership of Shincheonji Church of Jesus members amounted to "religion-politics collusion," saying that political participation should not be treated as grounds for suspicion solely because those involved are members of a particular religion.

On that basis, CAP LC called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, the principle of non-discrimination and the state's religious neutrality.

Amid these concerns, South Korea is conducting an investigation into allegations related to church members' party membership. On 24th June, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman ManHee Lee, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On 29th June, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee while in detention on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act.

While the final determination of the charges will be made through the trial process, Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that this case, too, should be handled in accordance with due process and objective evidence, rather than social perceptions or political controversy. The church said this position was also in line with the concerns raised in CAP LC's statement.

The necessity and proportionality of detention during the investigation have also emerged as issues. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the necessity and proportionality of detention should be subject to stricter scrutiny, given that Lee, born in 1931 and now 95, is of advanced age, has actively cooperated with the investigation, and that key materials have already been secured through searches and seizures.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the cases of discrimination cited in CAP LC's statement and the investigation in South Korea raised a common question: what standards should state judicial and administrative authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities?

The church said the issue went beyond controversy over a particular religious group and served as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are being equally protected in domestic and international procedures. It also said this was why the international community was watching the case — to determine whether legal grounds and the principles of due process are being consistently upheld in South Korea's investigation and in administrative and judicial decisions in other countries.

Ultimately, the church said, how the case is resolved would serve as a test of the strength of social and institutional trust in the protection of religious minorities, beyond the matter of a single religious organisation.

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:

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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