The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a controversial religious group often labeled as a cult, is intensifying its presence in Western Australia, particularly within university communities. Parents and concerned parties are sounding alarms over the group’s activities, which include aggressive recruitment and conversion tactics. The cult, founded in 1984 by Lee Man-hee, is notorious for its secretive operations and the significant influence it exerts over its members.
A father of a current member expressed his worries about the group’s opaque financial dealings and the difficulty in obtaining information about its operations. He voiced concerns over where the tithes and offerings collected from members, including his daughter, are actually directed.
This concern is heightened by the group’s past controversies. In early 2020, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus was at the center of a massive coronavirus outbreak in South Korea. The group was responsible for over half of the country’s COVID-19 cases at the time, a situation exacerbated by its secretive nature and misleading information provided to health authorities. This outbreak led to widespread public anger and scrutiny of the group’s activities.
Further complicating its reputation, Shincheonji’s leader, Lee Man-hee, faced legal issues when he was convicted of embezzling over 5.7 billion Korean won (approximately $5.2 million) from the organization. He was sentenced to a suspended prison term. Additionally, the church’s teachings proclaim that Lee has assumed the role of Jesus Christ and will take 144,000 people to heaven on judgment day, a belief that has raised eyebrows and added to the controversy surrounding the group.
Despite these challenges, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to expand. In November 2023, it hosted a massive graduation ceremony at Daegu Stadium in South Korea, where over 108,000 theology students graduated. This event, claimed to be the world’s largest of its kind, highlights the group’s extensive reach and ability to mobilize large numbers of people. Graduates came from various countries, demonstrating the group’s international influence. The event featured elaborate cultural performances and was broadcast live to an audience of over 300,000 people.
The expansion of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and its increasing influence, especially among young adults in educational institutions, raises serious concerns for families and communities. The group’s controversial past and the secretive nature of its operations continue to be a significant point of contention and worry.
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