- Third Global Invitation Revelation Seminar reaches biggest attendance in its history
- Faith leaders agree universally: “Revelation is a power that brings peace”
- Worship, discussion and shared learning over four days deepen “understanding and harmony”
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Lee Man Hee), announced on the 5th that the 3rd Global Invitation Revelation Seminar successfully wrapped up after four days and three nights of activities starting on 30 October.
The seminar functions as a global exchange initiative focused on promoting interreligious peace through examining the prophecies and fulfilment described in the Book of Revelation. Since its launch on 1 February 2024, the event has expanded each term, drawing increasing numbers of nations and religious representatives and becoming a recognised “platform for dialogue among world religious leaders.”
“Let us uphold the values of ‘truth and peace’ as religious leaders,” said Chairman Lee Man Hee. “This was my first time experiencing such free and warm interaction. I felt true peace in the truth.” These remarks, shared by an attending religious leader, illustrate the atmosphere of openness that has distinguished this year’s seminar.
This third seminar, held under the theme “The Path of Understanding Led by Scripture, the Path of Peace Walked by Religions Together”, welcomed more than 1000 attendees, including 440 religious leaders from 59 countries—its largest and most diverse audience yet.
Highlighting the potential of Revelation to facilitate interfaith cooperation, the seminar concluded on 1 November at the Goseong Peace Training Centre, where more than 440 religious leaders joined together to proclaim “unity.”
Participants consistently expressed that the “truth” taught by Shincheonji Church holds significant influence.
Venerable Yullyeoseongwon of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, attending the seminar for the first time, shared, “I believe the reason Shincheonji continues to grow and flourish is the power of its teachings. This was a time that confirmed that these teachings are a path beyond religious boundaries towards the unity of humanity.”
Leaders from a wide array of traditions—including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism and more—studied the prophecies and fulfilment of Revelation side by side, identifying scriptural similarities and shared messages of peace.
Praise for the event also continued from clergy of various religions. Mohammed Usman, an Islamic leader from Eswatini, commented, “Shincheonji Church has a perfect curriculum that delivers peace and truth.”
The enthusiasm of participants was evident in the concluding World Religious Leaders Revelation Quiz Competition, where 317 leaders from 60 countries took part and 154 achieved perfect scores. Among those who completed the full seven-week curriculum and assessments, including the Global Seminar, a total of 125 individuals—42 domestic and 83 international—were formally appointed as Honorary Bible Teachers.
In addition to the Revelation lectures, this seminar also featured:
- A united prayer meeting for “global peace”
- “The Way to Heaven” (Bible OX Quiz)
- “Time Travel into the Bible”, a theatrical programme experiencing the heart of the biblical shepherd
- A “Round Table” promoting peace culture
Religious leaders said they cried, laughed and shared deep empathy and harmony through these exchanges.
One Buddhist head monk said, “They are doing things unimaginable in Buddhism. Seeing a monk in robes teaching the Bible and Shincheonji members discussing Buddhism was eye opening. I learned so much.”
A Presbyterian pastor commented, “Through cultural exchange, we shared understanding and values of faith across religions, and I see hope that we can become one.”
At the closing ceremony of the seminar held on 1 November at the Goseong Peace Training Centre, participants also shared peace initiatives that emerged in their home countries after attending the 2nd seminar.
Venerable Sok Bunthuen, Director of the Department of Higher Buddhist Education under Cambodia’s Ministry of Cult and Religion, explained that he continued interreligious exchange by holding an invited Revelation lecture at a Buddhist temple in Cambodia. Last year, 110 religious leaders participated; this year, the event grew into a large gathering with 850 attendees, including religious and community leaders.
Venerable Sok Bunthuen added, “At this event, 215 people signed the Religious Peace Pledge and committed to continued participation in future exchange programmes. It was a historic moment where religious and social leaders chose practical peace.”
Based on these achievements, he plans to host a “Religious Peace Education Camp” in January next year to further expand peace cooperation.
All religious leaders participating in the 3rd seminar read a resolution pledging, “We will fulfil the mission of delivering peace and truth and guide humanity on the path of salvation,” reaffirming their commitment to peace in action.
A Shincheonji Church official stated, “This seminar confirmed that the Bible is not the scripture of a single religion but contains universal truth for humanity. It served as an opportunity to understand each other’s faiths through the Word and restore the religious mission of peace and harmony.”
Chairman Lee Man hee emphasised, “We must reflect on the past, when criticism distanced us from God’s will, and be reborn as spiritual leaders who uphold the original values of spreading truth and achieving peace. Through dialogue and communication, let us achieve peace – the hope of God and our own hope.”
Meanwhile, the first seminar held in February 2024 drew more than 80 religious leaders from 10 faith groups across 28 countries, including Korea. The second seminar last year was completed by over 270 religious leaders from 57 countries.
