Shincheonji Church's 3rd Special Lecture on Revelation Draws Record 1,000 Participants from 59 Countries

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, recently hosted 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 in Cheongju, South Korea, spanned three nights and four days beginning October 30, featuring praise, prayer and discussion centered around the prophecies and fulfillment recorded in the Bible's Book of Revelation. The program operated under the theme "The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, the Path of Peace Walked Together by Religions," positioning itself as an international exchange program dedicated to interfaith dialogue and peace.

The growth trajectory of these special lectures demonstrates increasing global interest in interreligious dialogue. The first special lecture held in February 2024 brought together approximately 80 leaders from 10 religious denominations across 28 countries. The second special lecture later that year expanded significantly to include about 270 religious leaders representing 57 countries. This most recent event saw participation from 440 religious leaders from 59 countries, establishing it as a substantial platform for cross-cultural religious exchange. The consistent expansion suggests a growing recognition of the need for interfaith cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Participants from diverse religious backgrounds expressed appreciation for the program's content and approach. Venerable Yulyeoseongwon, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, noted that "I think the reason Shincheonji is reviving and developing further is the 'power of the Word.' It was a time to confirm that this Word is the path to unity for humanity, transcending religious barriers." This perspective highlights the potential for shared scriptural study to bridge theological differences. Mohammed Usman, an Islamic leader from Eswatini, added that "Shincheonji Church's curriculum that conveys peace and truth is perfect," emphasizing the importance of achieving the peace that all humanity hopes for.

The educational component of the event yielded significant results, with 317 religious leaders participating in an examination on the Book of Revelation. Remarkably, 154 participants achieved perfect scores, demonstrating the effectiveness of the instructional approach. Furthermore, 125 participants—42 from Korea and 83 from abroad—who successfully completed seven weeks of lectures and examinations were appointed as honorary Bible instructors. This development creates a network of trained individuals who can facilitate further interfaith dialogue in their home communities, potentially multiplying the event's impact globally.

The implications of this growing interfaith movement extend beyond religious circles to broader societal concerns. As religious tensions continue to fuel conflicts worldwide, initiatives like the Special Lecture on Revelation Open to All Nations offer a model for constructive engagement across theological boundaries. The program's focus on shared study rather than doctrinal debate provides a framework that could be adapted by other organizations seeking to promote religious harmony. The appointment of honorary Bible instructors from diverse backgrounds creates ambassadors for interfaith understanding who can work within their own religious communities to build bridges with other traditions.