The Church of God, labeled as a heretical sect by Korean churches, has expanded its reach to 175 countries, focusing on overseas proselytizing. However, local churches in those countries are struggling to grasp the specific damages caused, highlighting an urgent need for countermeasures.

Widespread Issues in the U.S.: Divorce and Forced Abortions Reported
Recognized for receiving awards such as the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the UK, the Church of God has been accused of disguising itself as a social service organization to improve its image while actively proselytizing abroad. A notable tactic involves targeting linguistically and culturally accessible Korean expatriates to expand its influence further.

According to its official website, the Church claims a following of 3 million members across 175 countries. However, experts on heretical sects estimate the actual number to be even higher.

The Church of God worships Ahn Sahng-hong, who died in 1985, as the Second Coming of Christ and regards Jang Gil-ja, the second leader, as “God the Mother.” By deifying their leaders, the Church elevates them as central to salvation in this era.

Former members of the Church report that they were taught to view tithing as a “condition for salvation” and were encouraged to donate their assets, with the justification that possessions would be unnecessary after the end times. Members also claim the Church instilled fear through apocalyptic teachings, urging them to sever ties with spouses opposing these donations, labeling them as "devils."

In the U.S., where the Church's activities are widespread due to the large Korean diaspora and religious freedom, reports of damages have surfaced. Among the most shocking claims are cases of members being forced to have abortions.

Reverend Won-sun Yoo from the Religious Addiction Research Center stated, “The Church of God has deeply infiltrated the U.S., and numerous cases of damage have been reported.” He added, “We’ve seen examples where former members were forced to undergo abortions or suffered financial losses due to coercion.”

Reverend Yoo explained that the Church often targets young women and housewives during their recruitment efforts, addressing their needs or sparking curiosity about concepts like “God the Mother” to manipulate them.

Experts have noted that similar incidents of coercion, including forced donations and abortions, have been reported not only in the U.S. but also in countries like China, Mongolia, Nepal, and Cambodia. However, the lack of accurate data on the damages exacerbates the problem. Missionaries in these regions face difficulties identifying the extent of harm caused by the Church.

A missionary in Nepal recently encountered reports of the Church forcing a pregnant couple to abort their child and coercing them into donations, leading to the family's disintegration. The missionary stated, “Despite living in Nepal for a long time, it was only recently that I learned about the Church’s actions, as they often operate in secrecy, hiding behind a positive image as a charity organization.”

Not only expatriates but also local residents often fail to recognize the Church of God’s true nature. Woo Hyun-chang, a coordinator at Mission Korea, said, “Locals lack understanding of traditional, sound, biblical teachings, making them susceptible to believing falsehoods. When heretical groups establish their presence first, they hinder access to healthy gospel messages.”

Experts advise Korean churches to take an active role in addressing the overseas damages caused by the Church of God. Reverend Yoo emphasized that while many victims remain unheard due to a lack of support systems in affected countries, mission boards should provide robust assistance to dispatched missionaries to tackle the issue effectively.

Source: Daily Good News (https://www.goodnews1.com)