Shincheonji Church of Jesus Reports Record 111,628 Graduates Amid Religious Decline in South Korea
TL;DR
Shincheonji Church of Jesus achieved 111,628 graduates at the 115th joint graduation ceremony, signaling clear growth trend in the midst of declining believers.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus held the 'Zion Christian Mission Center 115th Class 110,000 Joint Graduation Ceremony' at the Shincheonji Cheongju Church with 10,000 overseas graduates and 1,000 domestic and foreign religious figures in attendance.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus' emphasis on cooperation, learning, and growth among believers is making the world a better place by promoting unity and understanding.
The growth of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the midst of declining believers and the emphasis on learning and cooperation make for an interesting and educational phenomenon in the religious community.
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In a remarkable display of growth amidst a broader trend of religious decline in South Korea, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has reported a record-breaking 111,628 graduates from its Zion Christian Mission Center. This achievement, announced during the 115th Class Joint Graduation Ceremony held on October 30, 2024, at the Shincheonji Cheongju Church, marks the fourth time the church has surpassed 100,000 graduates in a single year.
The significance of this event is underscored by the current religious landscape in South Korea, where Protestant and Buddhist communities are experiencing a notable decrease in membership. Many religious institutions are facing financial difficulties, with some even resorting to auctioning off their properties. In stark contrast, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is demonstrating robust growth, attracting followers at an unprecedented rate.
Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus emphasized the importance of biblical knowledge, particularly the Book of Revelation, in his address to the graduates. He called for cooperation among religious groups, stating, "Let's not condemn or persecute each other, but cooperate and help each other so that our country can truly shine." This message of unity comes at a crucial time when religious tensions and declining faith are prevalent issues in South Korean society.
The graduation ceremony saw participation from 10,000 overseas graduates and 1,000 domestic and foreign religious figures. Notably, 3,377 pastors were among the graduates, with an additional 6,203 pastors currently enrolled in the center's programs. This influx of religious leaders into the Shincheonji Church's educational system suggests a potential shift in the religious landscape, as established clergy seek new theological perspectives.
The explosive growth of Shincheonji Church of Jesus raises important questions about the future of religion in South Korea and potentially beyond. As traditional religious institutions struggle to maintain their congregations, Shincheonji's success in attracting and educating a large number of followers, including clergy from other denominations, may indicate a significant shift in religious preferences and practices. This trend could have far-reaching implications for the social and cultural fabric of South Korea, potentially influencing everything from community structures to national identity.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
