News Americas, Cheongju, south korea, Friday. November 1, 2024: On the 30thth in October, the fourth graduation ceremony with over 100,000 graduates was held at Shincheonji Church in Cheongju, setting a new record for the largest single denomination event. The last-minute cancellation of the venue by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization has sparked controversy.
At noon on October 30, 2024, the “Graduation Ceremony of Zion Christian Mission Center Class 115 for 111,628 Graduates” took place at Shincheonji’s Cheongju Church. This marked a record event for a single religious denomination, with Shincheonji now producing over 100,000 graduates four times (in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024).
Over 10,000 international graduates and 1,000 overseas religious leaders attended the ceremony in person, with local graduates joining online from Shincheonji churches around the country.
Originally, the ceremony was planned to be held at the Paju Imjingak Peace Park. However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization suddenly canceled the reservation the day before the event, causing Shincheonji to be moved to Cheongju Church. Some criticize the sudden, unilateral cancellation without prior consultation, calling it unfair. Shincheonji has stated that it will pursue legal and administrative actions for compensation of costs and damages.
Over 10,000 international graduates and 1,000 overseas religious leaders attended the ceremony in person, with local graduates joining online from Shincheonji churches around the country. The ceremony opened with a speech by Chairman Lee Man-hee, who praised the unification of the 12 tribes and the achievement of the prophecy in Revelation.
In his speech, Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of uniting the 12 tribes of Shincheonji to fulfill God’s new nation. Only Shincheonji, he noted, provides the means to fully understand the prophecies in Revelation. He also emphasized that only those who avoid adding to or subtracting from the Book of Revelation can reach heaven, urging graduates to become skilled teachers themselves.
After the commencement ceremony, awards were given to 41,764 graduates for perfect attendance and 5,262 for excellence in evangelism. Zion Christian Mission Center Director Tan Young-jin expressed pride in Shincheonji’s unique and rapid growth, noting that it is the only church to expand by over 100,000 members each year.
A pastor who previously served 25 years in the Presbyterian ministry shared his journey to Shincheonji, expressing gratitude for the teachings that led him to what he now considers the true path.
A representative of the Zion Christian Mission Center emphasized that this graduating class studied the entire Bible and underwent rigorous testing. Shincheonji’s structured education system has attracted interest from local and international religious groups, with many expressing a desire to cooperate.
A Shincheonji representative noted, “Graduates have been looking forward to this day, and although venue changes caused complications, we are committed to honoring this ceremony. The 111,000 graduates, despite facing challenges, will to continue to praise God.”
