Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission investigates ‘apocalyptic Christian cult’ Shincheonji
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The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) says it is investigating fringe Christian group Shincheonji, which featured prominently in the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into cults and fringe groups.
Following questions from the ABC, the ACNC confirmed it was investigating Shincheonji and was disclosing the investigation under its revised secrecy provisions.
What’s next?
The ACNC did not provide a timeline for its investigation but says it will “act firmly where vulnerable people or significant charity assets are at risk”.
Following an ABC investigation into fringe Christian group Shincheonji, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has announced a 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 as 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 cults and fringe groups, with ex-members and their families citing psychological abuse including sleep deprivation, brainwashing and pressure to isolate from family and friends.
Read more https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-05/acnc-investigation-shincheonji-charity-status/106307482
Content retrieved from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-05/acnc-investigation-shincheonji-charity-status/106307482.
