Frequently asked questions about Shincheonji

Shincheonji is a South Korean religious movement founded in 1984 by Lee Man-hee; it teaches that he is the “promised pastor” of the New Testament and that, in this era, salvation requires accepting his testimony and belonging to Shincheonji’s twelve tribes.

Shincheonji’s full name is Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. In its own teaching, Lee received the open scroll of Revelation and was sent to testify its fulfillment to the churches.

Shincheonji is often abbreviated SCJ and rendered in English as New Heaven New Earth (NHNE); people also meet it through Zion Christian Mission Center Bible courses, UK-linked Parachristo activity, and related peace groups HWPL, IPYG, and IWPG—often before the name Shincheonji is used.

Zion Christian Mission Center is Shincheonji’s structured Bible education program, not a separate denomination. HWPL, IPYG, and IWPG present themselves as peace organizations; they are closely linked to Lee Man-hee and Shincheonji membership in practice, and we treat them as affiliated rather than identical to the church. Many people first meet the group through a Bible study or volunteer event that does not name Shincheonji at all.

Warning signs include secrecy about the study, a teacher who will not name the church behind it, a months-long structured course on parables and Revelation (often 6 to 12 months), and pressure to attend several times a week.

One sign alone does not prove a connection; the pattern matters. If you are unsure, talk to us and we will help you check, or read the full checklist.

Churches and former members raise concerns about deceptive recruitment, pressure to hide involvement from family, tight control of information, and teaching that leaving means losing salvation; in December 2016 the Church of England’s Diocese of London issued a “call for vigilance” about Parachristo.

We use the word “cult” carefully and in quotes. Our focus is on documented practices and teachings so you can evaluate them yourself.

Stay close and keep the relationship warm; arguments and ultimatums usually push people deeper.

Our family packet explains what helps over time. If you want to talk it through, message our team—some of us have walked this road ourselves.

Yes. Having questions does not make you weak or unfaithful.

You do not need to decide anything today. You can read our guide to leaving and talk with someone who has left without committing to anything. Faith is not a condition of receiving help.