The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, recently concluded its 3rd Special Lecture on Revelation Open to All Nations, marking the largest gathering in the series with over 1,000 total attendees. The event, held from October 30 in Cheongju, South Korea, brought together 440 religious leaders from 59 countries for three nights and four days of intensive study focused on biblical prophecies and their fulfillment according to the Book of Revelation.
Under the theme "The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, the Path of Peace Walked Together by Religions," the international exchange program has demonstrated significant growth since its inception. The first special lecture in February 2024 attracted approximately 80 leaders from 10 religious denominations across 28 countries. By the second lecture later that same year, participation had expanded to about 270 religious leaders representing 57 countries. The latest event's scale indicates increasing global interest in interreligious dialogue centered on scriptural study.
Religious leaders from diverse traditions expressed appreciation for the program's approach to biblical interpretation. Venerable Yulyeoseongwon, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, noted that "the reason Shincheonji is reviving and developing further is the 'power of the Word.'" He added that the event provided "a time to confirm that this Word is the path to unity for humanity, transcending religious barriers."
Mohammed Usman, an Islamic leader from Eswatini, praised the curriculum, stating that "Shincheonji Church's curriculum that conveys peace and truth is perfect" while emphasizing the importance of achieving the peace that all humanity hopes for. These endorsements from leaders outside the Christian tradition highlight the event's success in fostering cross-religious understanding.
The program included rigorous academic components, with 317 religious leaders participating in an examination on the Book of Revelation. Remarkably, 154 participants achieved perfect scores on the assessment. Additionally, 125 participants—42 from Korea and 83 from abroad—who successfully completed seven weeks of lectures and examinations were appointed as honorary Bible instructors, further expanding the network of interfaith educators trained through the program.
The growing participation in these lectures signals a broader trend of increasing interfaith engagement worldwide. As religious tensions persist in many regions, initiatives like the Special Lecture on Revelation Open to All Nations provide structured platforms for dialogue and mutual understanding. The program's focus on shared scriptural study, rather than theological debate, offers a neutral ground for religious leaders to explore common values and purposes.
This expansion of interreligious cooperation has implications for global peace efforts, as religious conflicts continue to impact international relations and community stability. The Shincheonji Church's approach demonstrates how focused scriptural study can bridge doctrinal differences while maintaining respect for diverse religious traditions. More information about the church's international activities can be found at https://www.shincheonji.kr.
The success of this third lecture suggests that similar interfaith initiatives may continue to grow, potentially influencing how religious organizations approach ecumenical relations and collaborative peacebuilding efforts. As global connectivity increases, such programs provide valuable models for constructive engagement across religious boundaries while addressing humanity's shared aspirations for peace and understanding.
