Shincheonji Church of Jesus Faces Growing Scrutiny in Australia

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus is currently under intense scrutiny in Australia, with an ongoing investigation by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) into its charity status. Concurrently, a Victorian parliamentary inquiry is examining the broader impact of "cults and organized fringe groups," including Shincheonji.

Allegations from former members detail extensive recruitment efforts, financial demands, and severe personal impacts including sleep deprivation, isolation, and health issues.

The organization, which asserts a global membership of over 300,000, adamantly rejects the 'cult' label, contending that new religious groups are frequently mischaracterized.

Overview of Shincheonji and Australian Operations

Described by some sources and former members as an "apocalyptic Christian cult," Shincheonji Church of Jesus followers adhere to a belief in the imminent return of Jesus. They believe that salvation from an apocalypse is attainable by those who have heard God's word through its 94-year-old founder, Lee Man-hee. The organization claims more than 300,000 members across over 100 countries and dismisses the 'cult' designation as a reaction from other churches perceiving them as a threat.

In Australia, Shincheonji is actively pursuing expansion. Former members have reported the deployment of "special force teams" dedicated to recruitment in regional areas such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Darwin, Geelong, and Melbourne. The primary objective of these teams is to establish new branch churches once a sufficient membership base is secured.

Recruitment Methods and University Warnings

Recruitment efforts reportedly target individuals, particularly Christians, in public spaces like universities and shopping centers. Documents obtained by one source revealed a highly structured recruitment process, involving the creation of detailed profiles for potential targets. These profiles reportedly encompass information such as:

• Hobbies
• Life goals
• Spiritual beliefs
• Personality traits
• Awareness of cults
• Future travel plans

This data is then allegedly used to tailor recruitment strategies. A column in recruitment files, reportedly for 'potential serpents,' is said to list individuals who might impede a candidate's involvement.

Former members recounted being introduced to Shincheonji through Bible studies, often during their first year of university. They reported being discouraged from researching criticism of the organization, with such actions being framed as 'spiritual suicide.'

Several Australian universities have issued warnings regarding Shincheonji's activities on their campuses. Federation University in Ballarat cautioned students about "disingenuous, manipulative and harmful recruitment practices" in March of the previous year. Australia Catholic University and RMIT University have also reported similar recruitment issues.

Reports indicate that some Shincheonji followers have reportedly dropped out of university courses to prioritize "special force team" responsibilities in regional areas. Members are said to volunteer for these teams, believing that these additional duties enhance their righteousness and religious service. They often live in shared accommodations and dedicate entire days to evangelism.

Allegations of Member Exploitation and Personal Impact

Submissions to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry and accounts from former members detail various alleged impacts on individuals:

Financial Demands

New recruits are reportedly required to complete a nine-month course on the Book of Revelations, costing approximately $50 per week. After passing exams, members are reportedly obligated to tithe 10% of their income, with some contributing even more. Additional fees are reportedly requested for group activities, events, leaders' birthdays, building construction, and missionary work. One former member stated she was pressured to donate a portion, sometimes 100%, of her earnings, leading her to sell personal possessions and experience a lack of funds for basic necessities.

Employment and Time Commitments

Former members reported being forced to leave full-time jobs due to increasing church demands, with their entire day eventually occupied by church activities.

Control Mechanisms

Leaders reportedly utilized fear of an imminent apocalypse and not being "saved" as a method of control, emphasizing that members' salvation for their families depended on their contributions and adherence.

Allegations include being told that actions like tardiness or insufficient donations were recorded in "The Book of Life," which followers believe determines their position in eternity.

Former members also reported being instructed to lie to loved ones about their involvement and that anyone opposing Shincheonji was "from Satan."

Personal Data Collection

Former members alleged they were required to provide personal details such as blood type, car registration, and medical history upon joining.

Health and Well-being

Accounts from former members cite severe impacts, including:

• Sleep Deprivation: Reports of three hours of sleep per night being considered normal, with some submissions referencing car accidents attributed to extreme fatigue.
• Physical and Psychological Distress: Experiences of physical exhaustion, collapses due to low blood pressure, frequent nosebleeds attributed to stress and fatigue, and neglect of basic hygiene.
• Isolation: Members reportedly became isolated from their families, with the organization promoting the idea that building the church is more important than personal relationships.
• Personality Changes: Parents of a woman who joined in Melbourne in 2021 reported their daughter became "financially dependent, socially isolated, and deeply anxious," contrasting with her previously "thriving, joyful, and independent" state.

Post-Departure Experiences

One former member reported being pursued by church members at her home, church, and a supermarket after leaving, leading her to change her phone number and experience nightmares.

Regulatory and Legal Scrutiny

ACNC Investigation

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has initiated an investigation into the charity status of Shincheonji's Melbourne chapter. This action followed an ABC investigation highlighting the group's documented practices. Shincheonji's Melbourne chapter registered as a charity in July 2022, providing it with tax advantages. For the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the group reported a total revenue of $761,276, with 97.24% originating from donations and bequests. The ACNC has stated it will act when vulnerable individuals or significant charity assets are at risk, or if there is evidence of serious mismanagement or breaches of the ACNC Act. Stronger powers, including the revocation of charitable status and loss of Commonwealth tax concessions, may be employed if concerns are not addressed.

Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry

A Victorian parliamentary inquiry is ongoing, investigating the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organized fringe groups, including Shincheonji. The committee has received 286 submissions, including testimonies from former members and families of current believers. The final report from the inquiry is expected in September 2026.

Legal Protections

While Shincheonji's Melbourne church is a registered charity and some of its operations are protected by religious freedom laws, some Australian states currently lack specific legal protections against forms of coercive control when related to religion.

Founder's Legal History and Global Context

Shincheonji's founder, Lee Man-hee, was convicted in South Korea in 2021 of embezzling the equivalent of approximately $5.5 million and received a three-year suspended sentence. The court determined that some of the embezzled funds were used to construct a "palace of peace" in Seoul. More recently, reports from South Korea indicate police raided Shincheonji headquarters as part of an investigation into allegations that Lee coerced members to support the conservative People Power Party during the 2021 presidential election and the 2024 general election.

Maria Esguerra, director of The Olive Leaf Network, a cult survivor support group, identified Shincheonji as one of Australia's most active groups, noting its alleged use of "sophisticated social engineering and thought reform."

Shincheonji's Melbourne chapter has not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding these investigations and allegations.