Category: Beyond the Port

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Detention of a 95-Year-Old Religious Leader Damages Korea’s Reputation: European Scholars of Religion Call for the Release of Chairman Lee Man-hee

Concerns Raised at European Academy of Religion’s International Conference Held in Rome—Strong Appeals Over Violation of International Law

European scholars of religion are making strong appeals to the South Korean government to release Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church, who remains in detention.

Religious scholars signing an appeal requesting an end to Chairman Lee’s detention

Chairman Lee was detained on 24 June on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act and was indicted on 29 June. The Joint Police–Prosecution Investigation Headquarters alleges that, between July 2021 and January 2024, he directed the mass registration of approximately 50,000 church members into a particular political party.

In response, Shincheonji Church stated that individual members freely participated in political activities and that both Chairman Lee and the church have faithfully cooperated throughout the entire investigation process, including the searches and seizures. The church also expressed deep regret, stating that detaining Chairman Lee, an elderly man aged 95, amounts in effect to a form of physical punishment.

Dr. Introvigne as a speaker at the European Academy of Religion’s international conference held on 3 July

The European Academy of Religion (EuARe), a non-profit academic network connecting scholars and institutions of religious studies across Europe, held its Ninth Annual Conference in Rome, Italy, on 3 July, where the circumstances surrounding Shincheonji Church were addressed. During the session titled “Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context,” European scholars of religion presented their respective academic papers on Shincheonji Church. The recent situation in South Korea, including the detention of Chairman Lee, was also shared with participants.

At the conference, Dr. Massimo Introvigne, a sociologist of religion and the Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), commented on the detention of Chairman Lee as follows:

Dr. Massimo Introvigne, the Founder and Managing Director of CESNUR

“In all European Union countries, legislation mandates that, those older than 80, only exceptionally, should be put in jail; they should be under house arrest if needed, and only for violent crimes, if there is a risk of actual violence connected with blood crimes. Here, of course, there are no blood crimes, and the accusations are violations of electoral law.”

“And what Korea is doing to this elderly religious leader is in violation of international law, including the United Nations’ so-called Mandela Rules, which mandate that preliminary detention should be, in general, not the rule, and only in an extremely limited number of exceptional cases may be applied to elderly prisoners. So what is happening is an unmitigated scandal, which hides a political and religious vendetta.”

Eric Roux, an interfaith advocate and President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), who also participated in the session, reiterated the injustice of detaining an elderly person.

Eric Roux, President of EIFRF

“A man of 95 years old being put in jail is not something that you can reconcile with the objective of respecting human dignity. Even if what you pretend he has done is true, you would not put a man of this age in prison as is the case now. So I would suggest that this be reviewed very fast to avoid something that would be very detrimental to the reputation of South Korea, which is please, get that man out of jail and do it now.”

Human rights lawyer Alessandro Amicarelli expressed concern, citing South Korea’s democratic tradition. He is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, a barrister in Italy, and Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB).

Alessandro Amicarelli, Chairman of FOB

“As a human rights lawyer, I always considered South Korea a true democracy where human rights are upheld like a foundation of the democracy. Unfortunately, what’s happening now is truly shocking. … We cannot accept that a religious leader in a democratic country, at the age of 95, has to be under this kind of pressure.”

“What we’re seeing right now, … it looks like South Korea is departing from its own Constitution, its own human rights foundation. For this reason, I’m very happy to support Shincheonji in your fight against abuse and persecution in South Korea and anywhere in the world.”

Shincheonji Church emphasized that the detention of Chairman Lee has gone beyond academic interest and is now being raised as an international human rights issue.

The international human rights organizations United for Human Rights and Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP-LC; Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience) submitted a joint written statement on the human rights issues faced by Shincheonji Church to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 25 May (Document No. A/HRC/62/NGO/236; circulated on 10 June). In the statement, the two organizations assessed that “the situation has intensified” in South Korea and noted that framing members’ registration with a political party as evidence of “religion–politics collusion” is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every citizen the right to participate in political life.

The two organizations further stated: “In December 2025, the President ordered the creation of a joint police–prosecutor task force explicitly targeting Shincheonji… Senior officials have publicly referred to Shincheonji as a ‘criminal organization,’ statements incompatible with the presumption of innocence.” They also added, “We [urge] the Government of the Republic of Korea to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and state neutrality.”

Shincheonji Church noted that “As support and petitions from prominent figures in the international community continue to grow regarding the detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee, pressure on the South Korean government and the judiciary is also mounting.” It further said, “The prompt release of Chairman Lee is a matter of safeguarding freedom of religion and human rights, which are core values of democracy.”

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Detained at 95: South Korea’s Prosecution of a Religious Leader Draws International Alarm

SEOUL, South Korea — International criticism is mounting over the detention and prosecution of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and over recent public remarks by South Korea’s Minister of Justice, Jeong Seong-ho.

On June 30, Minister Jeong announced on his social media account that Chairman Lee had been indicted while in detention, writing that “strict criminal punishment corresponding to its responsibility is inevitable.” He closed the post by quoting Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets.” Shincheonji Church of Jesus is a Christian denomination founded in South Korea in 1984.

Chairman Lee Man-hee, 95, was taken into custody on June 24 on political party charges involving no violence — drawing sharp condemnation from international religious freedom organizations.

Dr. Massimo Introvigne, an Italian sociologist of religion, has published two articles in the religious-freedom and human-rights outlet Bitter Winter addressing this situation: the first on June 24, 2026, criticizing the detention of Chairman Lee at the time of his arrest; and a second on July 2, 2026, raising detailed criticism of Minister Jeong’s public remarks.

Chairman Lee was taken into custody on June 24 on charges including violation of the Political Parties Act, and was formally indicted while still in detention on June 30. Investigators allege that between July 2021 and January 2024, Lee organized the enrollment of roughly 50,000 Shincheonji members into the People Power Party (PPP) in an effort to influence the party’s presidential and parliamentary primaries.

Dr. Introvigne argued that placing an elderly religious leader in detention over a case that does not involve violence or other serious crimes falls short of the proportionality standards required under the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the “Mandela Rules”) and the principles articulated by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Sociologist Dr. Massimo Introvigne, writing in Bitter Winter, described the situation as
“a stain on South Korea’s democratic credentials.”

He linked the case to that of Han Hak-ja, the 83-year-old leader of the Unification Church (the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification), who was being held in a separate case, warning that “this is not an issue confined to a single religious group — a pattern is emerging in which physical detention is repeatedly used against elderly religious leaders.”

Immediately after the detention, Shincheonji Church of Jesus responded that “Chairman Lee and the church have fully cooperated with every stage of the investigation, including the search and seizure operations,” calling the detention “in effect a physical punishment imposed on a 95-year-old suspect.”

What Dr. Introvigne found particularly troubling was the timing of Minister Jeong’s statement. Jeong made his public call for “strict criminal punishment” on the very day Chairman Lee was formally indicted while in detention. Introvigne noted that when the official who oversees the justice and prosecution system publicly declares the need for punishment just as a case is beginning, it risks being seen as prejudging the outcome.

Dr. Introvigne also pointed out that a public official’s use of a Bible verse that could cast the defendant in a negative light may conflict with the state’s principle of religious neutrality. Because a sitting Minister of Justice’s public statements are likely to be read as more than personal opinion — effectively as the government’s official position — he argued that such remarks warrant far greater caution.

The legal question at the heart of the case is not that members joined a political party, but whether they were coerced into doing so. Prosecutors say the evidence points to an organized, forced-enrollment campaign, while Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that members were not compelled by force or directive.

Dr. Introvigne predicted that the trial will hinge on what evidence and legal reasoning are used to prove coercion. He argued that “these charges risk criminalizing ordinary civic participation simply because the individuals belong to a religious minority,” adding that “Shincheonji members, like any other South Korean citizens, have the right to join a political party and support a candidate.”

Dr. Introvigne said the case is being closely watched in international religious-freedom circles not simply as a question of guilt or innocence for one religious group, but as a test of “whether a democratic state applies the same standards of rule of law and human rights to religious groups that are controversial or classified as minorities.”

If statements by senior government officials appear to influence judicial independence, a defendant’s right to a defense, or the political freedom of believers, the damage extends beyond the fairness of a single case — it can undermine confidence in the state’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights. A genuine democracy, he said, must guarantee the same procedures and rights to minority groups as to everyone else.

Dr. Introvigne described the situation as “a stain on South Korea’s democratic credentials” and said it is “a matter the world should pay attention to.”

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HWPL Hosts Forum for ‘Creating a Culture of Peace in Schools’ in Southern Africa

HWPL, an international peace organization, held an online ‘School Leaders Forum’ on June 6 with education experts from Southern Africa to establish a culture of peace within schools. This forum was organized to provide a platform for field experts to gather and derive sustainable action plans.

First, event participants watched a past presentation video of Uzair Rossier, a student from Bonteheuwel High School in Cape Town, an area where violence and shootings are frequent. In the video, Rossier shared his experience of losing a friend to a past shooting and said, “Through HWPL peace education, I realized the value of myself and others, and my perspective on my surroundings has changed. I hope that through a culture of peace within the school, violence and drugs will disappear,” garnering significant empathy from the participants.

Next, a case study on establishing a culture of peace at Morifi Community High School was introduced. This presentation drew attention by presenting an excellent precedent: moving away from a fragmented approach that relies on a few teachers, the positive changes in students become more certain when all school members share and regularly practice peace education.


The case presentation by Fazlin Kola, the Vice Principal of Zinniaville Secondary School, showed how the school took its first steps with a peace club. She expressed her determination stating that, “The biggest change since the introduction of peace education is the strong bond between teachers and students. As teachers have come to deeply understand students’ family environments, difficulties, and interests, student guidance and problem-solving within the school have become much easier. Furthermore, students’ enthusiasm for participation and their confidence have noticeably increased, and it is greatly contributing to the prevention of bullying and school violence. Based on these positive changes, we will expand participation so that more teachers can join us in the future.”


HWPL presented ‘principal leadership’ and ‘consistent messages from teachers’ as the key elements for creating a culture of peace in schools. The organization announced that it will continue to provide multifaceted support through the ‘Principal-led PET (Peace Education Training)’ course, which helps independent educational operations, and an upcoming ‘Advanced Programme’ in July. An HWPL official stated, “In the second half of the year, we will continue to host regular exchange platforms to share the actual growth stories of each school.”

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Youth Mark Africa Day and HWPL Founding Day Through “Peace My Namibia” Community Campaign

Windhoek, Namibia – 6 June 2026 — Youth organisations, community members, and volunteers gathered today at the Otjomuise Informal Settlement for the “Peace My Namibia: Clean Environment, United Africa” Clean-Up and Awareness Campaign held in commemoration of Africa Day and the 25th of May Proclamation of the Declaration of Peace and founding day of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light).

Hosted jointly by HWPL, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), and Rob Youth Foundation Namibia, the campaign promoted peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, volunteerism, and active citizenship through practical community service.The event reflected the significance of the 25th of May not only as Africa Day, but also as a meaningful day for HWPL, marking the proclamation of the Declaration of Peace and the organisation’s continued commitment to fostering peace through community engagement and cooperation.

Volunteers participated in large-scale clean-up activities, environmental awareness engagements, and community discussions encouraging responsible waste management, unity, and sustainable development within local communities.

Peace My City initiative underway

In interviews conducted during the event, participants highlighted the importance of community unity and collective action in creating cleaner and safer communities. Alex Moses from the City of Windhoek’s Waste Management Department shared, “This cleanup is about working together as a community and taking responsibility for the waste that we generate. By joining hands, we can help keep our surroundings clean and create a healthier environment for everyone.” Siena Rautenbach, the Constituency Development Committee Leader for the Khomasdal Constituency, remarked, “What happened here today is truly historic. For a very long time, we have never had a cleanup campaign of this kind in our area.” She further praised the strong participation, adding, “I was truly impressed by the dedication of the youth volunteers.”

Honourable Cllr Wayne Sissing, Celine Mpereka of HWPL and Mr Alex Moses captured at the cleanup.

Participants also expressed that initiatives such as these encourage responsibility, cooperation, and a stronger sense of belonging among young people while demonstrating how collective action can positively impact communities.

Organisers highlighted that peacebuilding is not limited to conferences or dialogue alone, but can also be demonstrated through practical acts of service that improve communities and bring people together.

The campaign successfully strengthened youth participation, civic engagement, and environmental awareness while reinforcing the shared responsibility of building peaceful and sustainable communities across Namibia and the African continent.

For media enquiries:

Celine Mpereke
HWPL Coordinator Namibia
+264 81 428 3600

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The Sacred Space of the “Pause”: Finding Peace in the Next Generation

There is a specific kind of magic that unfolds when women gather to protect the dreams of the next generation. It is what many describe as the “Maternal Heart” — not simply the act of motherhood, but the instinct to nurture, to shield, and to lead with a love that looks far into the future.

When Advocate Geraldine Dunn (Rotary Peace Fellow (Cohort 10), Makarere University 2026) first envisioned the Kimberley Girls Leadership & Peacebuilding Workshops as part of her Rotary International Peace Fellowship Social Change Initiative, her goal was to create a reflective space for young women from Kimberley Girls’ High Schools. The intention was to move beyond the theory of constitutional values and mediation and instead explore the heart of personal agency and positive peace.

To bring this vision to life, Dunn partnered with the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG). The collaboration coincided with the organisation’s 4.26 event, a significant initiative created to unite women across the globe in the promotion of peace. What unfolded over the two days became a powerful “planting of seeds.”

With 120 learners from four schools in attendance, the workshops revealed something profound: the awakening of young girls beginning, perhaps for the first time, to believe in their own power.

Part of the programme included watching a deeply relatable video exploring how society subtly teaches girls to “shrink” — to run slower, to speak softer, to appear less confident, and to doubt their own strength. The familiar phrase “run like a girl” became a gateway into a much deeper conversation about identity and self-worth.

The atmosphere in the room shifted during discussions around the concept of the “Redo.” Learners listened as Soraya Williams, who found her voice through the Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), shared her journey of reclaiming her narrative and rewriting her own story. It became more than a leadership lesson; it resonated as a moment of emotional awakening. In the eyes of many of the girls was a shared realisation that they did not have to accept the “noise” of the world as truth.

Among the most impactful moments of the workshops were the “Three Laws of Inner Peace” — practical principles intended to help young women navigate challenges within their communities and personal lives:

  • The Law of the Filter: Not every voice deserves a seat at the table.
  • The Law of the Pause: The sacred practice of creating space between challenge and reaction, allowing room for self-regulation.
  • The Law of Boundaries: The courage to protect one’s future self.

For Dunn, the IWPG 4.26 International Peace Day introduced a mission she had not previously encountered. Through the collaboration, she witnessed firsthand the organisation’s commitment to spreading seeds of peace among young women and future leaders.

The workshops ultimately encouraged the learners to understand that saying “no” to the pressures of today is a gift to the women they are becoming tomorrow. In many ways, this became the ultimate act of prevention — stopping the fires of conflict before they ever have the opportunity to ignite.

Leadership, the workshops demonstrated, is about planting a tree today so that someone else may sit in its shade years from now. Over the course of the initiative, young girls began embracing the idea that their peace is their power and their perseverance is their strength.

Dunn expressed gratitude to IWPG for partnering in the initiative and for contributing principles of peace to the lives of these future leaders. The experience, she reflected, was not simply about teaching peace, but about becoming it. And already, the seeds planted are beginning to bloom.

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Gcinibandla Primary School in Majola Opens Technology Lab and Signs MOU for Peace and Digital Education

On April 14, 2026, the official handover ceremony for the Technology Lab was held at Gcinibandla Primary School in Majola, Port St. John’s, South Africa. This project was spearheaded through a public-private partnership involving Honorable Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)—an NGO in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), and local partners.

The Majola region has long faced economic challenges due to geographical isolation, limited resource accessibility, and a history of local conflict.

In 2024, Deputy Minister Mhlauli, then a community activist, collaborated with both organizations to implement a welfare initiative distributing dignity packs to women and girls in Majola. Reflecting on the impetus behind the project, Deputy Minister Mhlauli stated, “Following the local unrest, I recognized the urgent need to address the aftermath and social responsibilities faced by unemployed women who must care for children in our communities.”

These individual support initiatives have since evolved into the expansion of educational infrastructure, driven by the Deputy Minister’s sustained administrative focus and robust public-private cooperation. This culminated in the inauguration of the Technology Lab at Gcinibandla Primary School on April 14, 2026.

During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to provide ongoing support for the lab’s operation and the integration of peace and digital education. This measure aims to institutionalize the educational system rather than remaining a one-off contribution.

Furthermore, with the administrative support of Mayor Cllr. Cebisa Mazuza of the Port St. John’s Municipality, HWPL’s “Peace Education Curriculum” has been introduced. This program is designed to provide learners in conflict-affected communities with practical tools for conflict resolution and the development of empathy.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli emphasized the importance of sustained partnership, stating, “Change and progress is not an event but a journey. By working together, we can definitely do more.”

In alignment with this vision, a representative from the HWPL South Africa Branch remarked, “Based on active administrative support and policy backing from the government, we will strengthen our public-private cooperation to ensure that the modernization of education and the establishment of peace in the Majola region are implemented effectively.”

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Youth Seek Solutions to Violence through ‘Youth Dialogue’ at the University of Johannesburg

[Johannesburg, April 10, 2026] – The ‘Youth Dialogue,’ hosted by the International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), was held on April 10 at the Wole Soyinka Auditorium, Auckland Park (APB Campus), University of Johannesburg. The International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), an affiliated youth organization of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), is an international NGO that promotes peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives led by youth worldwide.

The event was organized in collaboration with Gun Free SA (GFSA), the South African Youth Council (SAYC), and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, and was attended by approximately 150 young people. It aimed to provide a platform for youth to recognize the violence they face and take the lead in developing practical solutions for peacebuilding.

The event was held against the backdrop of severe levels of violence in South Africa and the growing need to highlight the role of youth in addressing these challenges. In particular, gender-based violence (GBV) has reached a national crisis level, and 56% of those accused of firearm-related murder are youth between the ages of 12 and 24.

During the dialogue, Dr Sunshine Myende, Chairperson of the Board (National Youth Development Agency – NYDA) mentioned in her speech, “In many of our communities, violence does not begin with an incident, it begins with conditions. It begins with environments where inequality is deeply entrenched and opportunities are limited.”

Chairperson Honourable Bandile Masuku (Gauteng Provincial Legislature) explained, “One of the issues that needs to be addressed is how we can participate in policy formulation and develop intervention methods or programmes to deal with youth violence.” Furthermore, Constable Audrey Buthelezi (South African Police Service – SAPS) stated, “I’m pleading with you to take what that has been shared today and implement it in your communities. Don’t be afraid. You are the future; you are the present. Stand up! We will stand up and rally behind you.”

Dr Stanley Maphosa, Executive Director of Gun Free SA (GFSA), who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IPYG on the day, stated, “Young people are the majority in the country, and their voices are very critical. In spaces like this, such as youth dialogues, youth parliaments, and universities, IPYG is able to mobilise young people within peace discussions and encourage them to say, ‘Let us, as young people, say no to violence,’ and adopt strategies to keep our communities safe.”

Gun Free SA (GFSA) signed Memorandum of Understanding with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

Mr Mosuli Cwele, General Secretary of the South African Youth Council (SAYC), who signed an affiliation with IPYG, stated in the closing address, “We are quite happy that young people have participated in this event. Our goal is to see young people involved. In everything that we say and do, we want young people to be at the forefront as a nation. Your (the youth) involvement, to us (SAYC), speaks volumes.” Furthermore, he added, “The SAYC and all partners involved will ensure that the discussions held here translate into practical solutions.”

South African Youth Council (SAYC) signs an affiliation with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

Participants focused on identifying the root causes of violence, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to education, while developing practical prevention strategies applicable to their communities. In particular, many youth committed to participating in the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) and continuing their engagement through the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) to translate dialogue into tangible action.

Youth participant presents potential practical solutions for the youth to implement

A youth participant shared, “Through this ‘Youth Dialogue, I came to realize that youth are key actors in preventing violence, and it was meaningful to build social solidarity and empathy by sharing our experiences. I hope to continue contributing to real change within my community.” An IPYG official also stated, “We plan to implement follow-up programs to ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue, driven by the active participation and collaboration of youth, lead to meaningful action within local communities.”

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Youth Peace Dialogue Held at NUST to Commemorate Namibia’s 36th Independence Anniversary

[WINDHOEK – March 28, 2026] – On March 28, the “Beyond 35: 2026 Youth Dialogue for Peace and a Prosperous Future” was held at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) auditorium. The Dialogue was organized to commemorate the 36th anniversary of Namibia’s independence and to discuss the vital role of youth in the nation’s development.

The Dialogue was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)—an international peace NGO under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—its youth affiliate, the International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), and the Namibia branch of the Rob Youth Foundation (RYF). The gathering brought together approximately 100 participants, including government officials and youth leaders.

In a keynote speech delivered by Mr. Boyson Ngondo, Deputy Director for National Heritage and Culture Programmes, on behalf of Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture, the Deputy Minister highlighted the role of youth as innovators despite ongoing challenges such as a 40% youth unemployment rate and the digital divide. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but an environment where youth are guaranteed quality education, meaningful employment, and a platform to make their voices heard,” the Deputy Minister stated. He further emphasized that the youth, who make up over 60% of Namibia’s population, are the “heartbeat of our society” and the “architects of peace,” underscoring the critical importance of youth empowerment.

In addition, Mr. Muesee Kazapua, International Relations and Stakeholder Engagements Officer of the National Youth Council (NYC), participated as a panelist. Mr. Kazapua detailed how the NYC is supporting access to developmental opportunities for young people and shaping a prosperous future for social development beyond the 35th anniversary. He also provided guidance on the requirements for youth organizations wishing to affiliate with the NYC.

During the panel discussions and dialogue sessions, representatives from government ministries, youth organizations, and the educational and religious sectors shared their perspectives. Participants specifically discussed the necessity of establishing official platforms to reflect youth voices in the national development process and reviewed collaborative strategies to realize these goals.

The event concluded with the “Youth Pledge for Nation Building,” where participants committed to contributing to peace and social progress. An official from HWPL remarked, “This dialogue served as a momentum for Namibian youth to unite for the realization of peace. We plan to continue supporting youth-led peace activities through ongoing collaboration with local organizations.”

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New Heaven New Earth Church Commemorates 42 Years of Transforming Nations through the Word and Service

On 14 March 2026, the New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus marked a historic milestone, celebrating 42 years of unwavering dedication to global evangelism, humanitarian service, and transformative Bible education. Since its founding in South Korea in 1984, the church has evolved from a small gathering of believers into an international movement, now spanning over 100 countries including South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

The core of this four-decade journey is a commitment the church made to fulfilling the will of God by providing believers with an in-depth understanding of the Bible’s prophecies and their fulfillment. This drew thousands of pastors and faith leaders from diverse denominational backgrounds seeking to guide their congregations with truth and clarity.

In Southern Africa, the church has successfully bridged cultural and religious divides by establishing deep-rooted connections with local religious communities through hosting extensive Bible seminars and interfaith dialogues platforms for unity and spiritual revival. Many of these leaders have publicly testified that the church’s teachings have deepened their faith and equipped them to guide their congregations with renewed conviction, allowing them to lead their local flocks with a newfound sense of purpose and biblical accuracy.

“The teachings provided answers to questions I had been wrestling with for a long time, and I found a sense of purpose and understanding that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere,” said Pastor Wilka Tuuenikelao Nahenda Shatiwa from Southern Africa. “The logical approach to interpreting scripture made me want to explore further.”

This anniversary serves as a testament to the church’s enduring mission to spread the gospel and provide a systematic understanding of the Christian scriptures to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus Head Pastor and Chairman: Speaking on Prophecies of Revelation



Beyond the pulpit, thousands of volunteers have mobilised to address critical societal challenges through large-scale blood donation drives to support struggling healthcare systems, disaster relief efforts in the wake of environmental crises, consistent food distribution programs conducted in partnership with local organisations, and environmental restoration projects, including large-scale clean-ups and tree-planting campaigns.

As the church enters its 43rd year, its influence continues to expand through stewardship that encompasses both the spiritual and physical, demonstrating the love of God and Jesus Christ. Through Bible seminars, interfaith dialogues, and educational programs, the church has united pastors, scholars, and believers in the pursuit of biblical truth and righteousness.

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What Path Should Humanity Take?

– 10th Anniversary of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW): From War to Peace –

War remains a reality of international politics. Conflicts and armed clashes continue to erupt, and despite the existence of international law, war has not disappeared. How long must humanity continue to endure this cycle? If conflict is inevitable, must war also be the way we resolve it? The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed on 14 March 2016, was presented as a proposal in response to these questions.

HWPL and the DPCW

The DPCW is not a document born from abstract ideals. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the organization that proclaimed it, is an international peace NGO established to protect lives lost in war and to build a sustainable peace order.

The background of its founding lies in the wartime experience of HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee. As a student soldier during the Korean War, he experienced firsthand the devastation of war. The conviction that the cycle repeatedly sending young people to war must end with this generation later inspired international peace initiatives. The September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit, held in Seoul on 18 September 2014, became an important turning point. At the event, attended by a total of 1,933 participants from 152 countries, participants shared a consensus that international standards are needed not only to respond to conflicts after they occur, but also to prevent them and institutionalize cooperation.

To translate this vision into concrete form, HWPL launched the HWPL International Law Peace Committee (ILPC) in 2015, composed of international law experts from around the world. Through legal review and consultation, the committee completed drafting the DPCW, consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses, which was officially proclaimed on 14 March 2016.

The Standards Proposed by the DPCW

The DPCW sets out standards on the use of force and procedures for the peaceful resolution of disputes. It also reinforces the principles of international cooperation and collective security, while incorporating the roles of religion and civil society within the institutional framework.

This document does not deny the existing international legal order. Rather, it focuses on clarifying already agreed-upon principles and structuring them so that they can operate effectively in practice. It is meaningful in that it represents an attempt to move beyond an order that presupposes war as a means of resolving conflict. The question raised by the DPCW is simple: even if conflicts exist, must they necessarily result in war?

Expansion of International Support

Since its proclamation, the DPCW has gained support from international organizations and national parliaments. Regional parliamentary bodies—including the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino)—have adopted resolutions endorsing the initiative, while about 900,000 endorsements have been collected from citizens in 178 countries.

This demonstrates that norm diffusion is taking place not only through state diplomacy but also through civil society. Yet reality remains complex. International conflicts persist, and power politics remains entrenched. The transformation envisioned by the DPCW is still unfolding.

Beyond the Era of War: Leaving Peace as a Legacy for Future Generations

For a long time, humanity has ended conflicts through war whenever they occurred. The pattern of determining order through superiority of power has been repeated.

The issue raised by the DPCW is structural. Even if conflicts do not disappear, the way they are addressed can change. The question is whether it is possible to build an order that manages conflicts within standards and procedures, cooperation and institutions, rather than through armed clashes.

The past decade has been a period of raising this question to the international community and accumulating institutional and social foundations. The task ahead is to ensure that these standards operate within the actual international order.

What Path Should Humanity Take?

Not toward a path where war remains a means of addressing conflict, but one that seeks to structure and institutionalize peace.

Conflicts may be unavoidable. However, whether they are allowed to escalate into war or addressed through a different standard ultimately depends on humanity’s choice. The DPCW represents an effort to give this transition a concrete institutional framework. The discussions and global expansion over the past decade have demonstrated that such a vision is possible. One question remains: Will these standards take root in the international order, or remain yet another declaration?