In a significant event for religious education, the Zion Christian Mission Center of Shincheonji Church of Jesus conducted its 115th graduation ceremony on October 30th, celebrating the completion of 111,628 students. This marks the fourth time since 2019 that the church has surpassed 100,000 graduates in a single ceremony, solidifying its position as a major player in biblical education.
The ceremony, initially planned for a larger venue, was swiftly relocated to the Shincheonji Cheongju Church due to a last-minute cancellation by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. Despite this setback, the event proceeded smoothly, accommodating approximately 10,000 overseas graduates and 1,000 religious figures from various backgrounds.
Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized the church's comprehensive understanding of the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, and called for unity among religious communities. The graduation included 3,377 pastors, with an additional 6,203 currently enrolled in the center's courses, indicating a growing interest from established religious leaders in Shincheonji's teachings.
The ceremony's success and the high number of graduates underscore the church's expanding influence in religious education. A preliminary survey of young graduates revealed a 99.59% satisfaction rate with the center's curriculum, with 92.66% citing biblical teachings as the primary reason for their satisfaction. The average completion exam score of 96.5 points further attests to the effectiveness of the church's educational approach.
This event's significance extends beyond mere numbers. It represents a shift in religious education dynamics, with established pastors and entire denominations seeking cooperation with Shincheonji Church. The high enrollment and graduation rates suggest a growing demand for in-depth biblical studies and could potentially influence the broader landscape of religious education and inter-denominational relations.
As Shincheonji Church continues to expand its educational reach, the implications for religious discourse and cooperation among different faith communities could be substantial. The church's emphasis on comprehensive biblical understanding and its ability to attract students from diverse backgrounds may lead to new dialogues and perspectives in religious studies and practice.
