Shincheonji Church's Interfaith Revelation Lecture Draws Record 1,000 Participants from 59 Countries

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, recently concluded its 3rd Special Lecture on Revelation Open to All Nations, marking the largest gathering in the event's history with over 1,000 total attendees. This international exchange program, designed to foster interfaith dialogue and peace, brought together 440 religious leaders from 59 countries for three nights and four days of intensive biblical study centered on the prophecies and fulfillment recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Held in Cheongju, South Korea, under the theme "The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, the Path of Peace Walked Together by Religions," the event represents significant growth from previous sessions. The first special lecture in February 2024 attracted approximately 80 leaders from 10 religious denominations across 28 countries, while the second lecture later that year expanded to include about 270 religious leaders representing 57 countries. This progressive expansion demonstrates the increasing global interest in interreligious dialogue focused on biblical prophecy.

Religious leaders from diverse traditions expressed strong appreciation for the program's content and approach. Venerable Yulyeoseongwon, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, noted that "the reason Shincheonji is reviving and developing further is the 'power of the Word.'" He emphasized that the event confirmed "this Word is the path to unity for humanity, transcending religious barriers." Mohammed Usman, an Islamic leader from Eswatini, described Shincheonji Church's curriculum as "perfect" for conveying peace and truth, highlighting the importance of achieving the peace that all humanity hopes for through such interfaith initiatives.

The educational component of the event included rigorous assessment, with 317 religious leaders participating in an examination on the Book of Revelation. Remarkably, 154 participants achieved perfect scores, demonstrating the effectiveness of the teaching methodology. Additionally, 125 participants—42 from Korea and 83 from abroad—who successfully completed seven weeks of lectures and examinations were appointed as honorary Bible instructors, further expanding the network of interfaith educators equipped to teach biblical prophecy across religious traditions.

The growing scale and international participation in these special lectures indicate a rising global interest in interreligious dialogue centered on biblical texts. As religious leaders from Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, and other traditions gather to study Revelation together, the event represents a significant model for how scriptural study can bridge religious divides and foster mutual understanding. The appointment of honorary instructors from multiple countries suggests this interfaith educational approach will continue to expand globally, potentially influencing how different religious communities engage with biblical prophecy and interreligious cooperation in the future.