Author: Coco Veldkamp /ABC News
Following an ABC investigation into fringe Christian group Shincheonji, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has announced an probe into the group’s charity status. Previous ABC reporting uncovered the invasive, highly organised tactics members use to bring in new recruits, motivated by the indoctrinated belief that by recruiting they are doing God’s work. The group has been described an “apocalyptic Christian cult”. Followers believe Jesus’s return is imminent and that those who have heard God’s word through the group’s founder and Messiah, 94-year-old Lee Man-hee, will be saved from the apocalypse. Shincheonji has featured prominently in the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into…
Story by Coco Veldkamp/ABC News A South Korean fringe religious organisation, accused of brainwashing members, is targeting pastors in order to recruit entire Australian congregations, a former member says. Shincheonji, which has been described as an “apocalyptic Christian cult” whose members will be saved from an imminent apocalypse, featured prominently in the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into cults and fringe groups. The ABC has previously reported that the church is using “special force teams” and aggressive tactics to expand its recruitment outside of Melbourne in an effort to grow its flock. Matthew, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, spent nearly five…
story by Coco Veldkamp – ABC News. A former follower of a fringe Christian organisation says “special force teams” are recruiting members in Ballarat, Bendigo, Darwin, Geelong and Melbourne to expand its church’s reach. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has been described as an “apocalyptic Christian cult”, with the ABC previously uncovering members being brainwashed, spending as much time as possible recruiting others out of fear and the belief that they are doing God’s work. Followers believe Jesus’s return is imminent and that only true believers who have heard God’s word through the group’s founder, 94-year-old Lee Man-hee, will be saved…