Editing Providence (religious movement) (section)

== Outside of Korea ==
Christian Gospel Mission is proselytizing under different names in different regions. ''Providence'' or ''Providence Church'' in Europe and the US, ''Setsuri'' ({{Nihongo2|摂理}}, Japanese for "[[Divine providence|providence]]") in Japan, the ''Bright Moon Church'', the ''Morning Star Church'', and ''Jesus Morning Star'' (JMS). Each church branch that follows Jung's teaching keeps its own name (e.g. Nak-seong-dae Church, Seoul Church, etc.).<ref name="Tahk 1986 120" /><ref name="apologeticsindex" /><ref>{{cite journal |last=Sin |first=Ho-cheol (신호철) |date=April 23, 2006 |script-title=ko:검사가 정명석 돕고 있다? |trans-title=Is prosecution assisting Jung Myeong-suk? |url=http://m.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32628 |url-status=live |journal=시사 저널 |trans-journal=[[Sisa Journal]] |language=ko |issue=862 |pages=142–149 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925154419/http://m.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32628 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=September 14, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}<!--https://books.google.com/books?id=Brw2AQAAIAAJ --></ref> While leader Jung Myung Seok was on the run since 1999, due to sexual assault exposes and civil lawsuits filed in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, Providence, then known mostly as JMS, continued publishing Jung's sermons online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=May 22, 2007 |script-title=zh:韩国"淫乱教主"郑明析中国落网 |language=zh-hans |trans-title=South Korean 'promiscuous guru' Jung Myung-seok to be apprehended in China |journal=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101052154/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2018-02-21 |title=Cult Leader Jung Myung-seok Released After Serving Full 10-Year Sentence |url=http://www.kukmindaily.co.kr/article/view.asp?page=&gCode=7111&arcid=0012145767&code=71111101 |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=[[Kukmin Ilbo]] |language=en}}</ref> During his incarceration between 2008 and 2018, Jung's sermons and directives were delivered through visitors to the prison and through his successor Kim Ji Seon.<ref name=":4" />

=== Australia ===
Providence began operating in Australia during 1997. Members of Providence have reported to been actively recruiting for new members at the [[Australian National University]]. In April 2014, the Australian government-funded television network [[Special Broadcasting Service]] reported on their activities in Australia, including statements by former members that they sought young attractive women. Providence refused numerous requests for a spokesperson to be interviewed for the program in Australia and Korea. The organization's Chief of External Affairs denied in writing to answer specific questions about the group's Australian activities. He stated that it had [[Charitable organization#Australia|charitable status]] for tax purposes.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12929
| script-title = ko:"성폭행범이 이끄는 한국의 밀교" - 기독교포털뉴스
| publisher    = Kportalnews.co.kr
| date         = April 10, 2014
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12929
| archive-date = January 19, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| last         = Tozer
| first        = Joel
| url          = http://www.sbs.com.au/thefeed/blog/2014/04/09/inside-providence-secretive-korean-church-led-convicted-rapist
| title        = Inside Providence: The secretive Korean church led by a convicted rapist
| publisher    = Sbs.com.au
| date         = April 9, 2014
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141024223658/http://www.sbs.com.au/thefeed/blog/2014/04/09/inside-providence-secretive-korean-church-led-convicted-rapist
| archive-date = October 24, 2014
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In May 2016, Australian magazine ''[[Crikey]]'' revealed that an [[Australian Taxation Office]] (ATO) employee had been whitewashing the Wikipedia article on Providence. Operating from a work computer since August 2015, the lawyer had removed negative press coverage from the article and inserted glowing praise of Jung, while casting doubt on Jung's prison conviction. The woman, who denied it at first, eventually admitted that she had made the edits. The ATO's Fraud Prevention and Internal Investigations Unit declined to take any action.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.crikey.com.au/2016/05/02/wikipedia-page-rapist-cult-whitewashed-inside-ato/
| title        = ATO employee whitewashed Providence Jeong Myeong-seok's Wikipedia
| work         = Crikey
| access-date   = May 2, 2016
| date         = 2016-05-02
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160502124537/http://www.crikey.com.au/2016/05/02/wikipedia-page-rapist-cult-whitewashed-inside-ato/
| archive-date = May 2, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

[[Seven News]] Australia reported in 2023 that two Australian women had been recruited and trafficked to South Korea where JMS members allegedly raped them. Maria Naselli, President of the Lord's Hope Church of Providence in Sydney sent a video to Seven News stating "We want you to stop attacking us and to stop taking actions against us. If you do not heed this strong warning, we will hold a press conference against you".<ref>{{cite news |title=7NEWS Spotlight: World-first look inside the cult targeting Australian women |url=https://7news.com.au/spotlight/7news-spotlight-world-first-look-inside-providence-the-cult-next-door-c-11105030 |access-date=12 July 2023 |work=7NEWS |date=2 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, Australian former member Liz Cameron published a book about her experiences in Providence entitled ''Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed and How I Broke Free''.<ref name="cameron">{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=Liz |title=Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed and How I Broke Free |date=2025 |publisher=Hardie Grant |location=Melbourne, VIC |isbn=9781763516571 |url=https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/cult-bride-by-liz-cameron/9781763516571 |access-date=19 December 2025}}</ref> She also shared her story on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] podcast and radio program ''[[Conversations (radio program)|Conversations]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Best of 2025: How I became a brainwashed cult bride |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/how-liz-cameron-became-brainwashed/106126722 |access-date=18 December 2025 |work=Conversations |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 December 2025}}</ref>

=== Hong Kong ===
Providence has been reported on in Hong Kong, where it is known as ''The Bright Moon Church'' ({{lang|zh|月明教會}}) or ''Setsuri'' (攝理教). In October 2006 a former member told ''[[Oriental Daily News]]'' that it has about 100 core members in Hong Kong, including many medical graduates and some assistant professors. Though it has been in Hong Kong for years, its slow development kept it fairly unknown until its media exposure. Providence temporarily created an organization to run various community activities, known as the United Culture and Arts Network (UCAN).<ref name="orientaldailynews2006">{{cite news
| url          = http://hk.news.yahoo.com/061001/10/1tyax.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20061116072023/http://hk.news.yahoo.com/061001/10/1tyax.html
| place        = Hong Kong
| work         = [[Oriental Daily News]]
| language     = zh-hk
| script-title = zh:韓邪教港核心成員逾百
| trans-title  = Korean cult core members reach 100 in Hong Kong
| date         = October 2, 2006
| archive-date  = November 16, 2006
| access-date   = November 16, 2006
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |last         = Fan
 |first        = Wai Kit (范偉潔)
 |url          = http://www.hket.com/eti/article/52087622-324c-432d-abdc-c77f4657e59e-574309
 |script-title = zh:韓邪教襲港 吸大學尖子 變身「月明教會」 醫科生家人求助
 |trans-title  = Korean cult attacks Hong Kong, recruits elites at university, transformed 'Wol Myeong Church' aids med student families
 |publisher    = [[Hong Kong Economic Times]]
 |language     = zh-hk
 |date         = September 20, 2006
 |access-date   = September 12, 2015
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909190821/http://www.hket.com/eti/article/52087622-324c-432d-abdc-c77f4657e59e-574309
 |archive-date = September 9, 2015
 |url-status   = dead
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

=== Japan ===
Providence became active in Japan around 1985<ref name="tamaki" /> or 1987.<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult" /> In 2006 the national newspaper ''[[Asahi Shimbun]]'' reported that Providence is "causing serious social problems in Japan", labeling it as a "cult" and "sect". It also reported that the organization was pressuring members to live together, make regular donations, marry within the organization, and follow the strict guidance of its founder.<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" />{{efn|name="another-problem-cult"
|1=''Asahi Shimbun''′s article on July 27, 2006 was followed up by similar coverage in this editorial, issued bilingually: {{cite news
| url          = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200608190106.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006083459/http://www.asyura2.com/0601/cult3/msg/326.html
| script-title = ja:教団のワナにはまるな
| trans-title  = Don't get caught in the religious group's trap
| language     = en, ja
| work         = [[Asahi Shimbun]]
| date         = August 18, 2006
| archive-date  = October 6, 2014
| access-date   = September 10, 2015
| quote        = The gimmicks the sect uses to increase its membership are nothing new. At university campuses, the sect's recruiters first approach students under the guise of a sports or cultural circle. After building close personal relationships with these students, the members reveal the religious nature of their group and start indoctrinating them. The favorite targets are serious-minded young people who feel alienated from their families and schools and wish to change their lives.
}}}}

It has been reported that Providence, commonly referred to as Setsuri in Japan, hides their religious affiliation at a Japanese university and solicited students as [[Student society|cultural clubs]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=摂理＝キリスト教福音宣教会 SDGsで大学生を勧誘する手法で信者が16年前の3倍｜検証 令和の新興宗教 |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/lifex/309980 |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=日刊ゲンダイDIGITAL|date=August 19, 2022 }}</ref> specifically targeting students pursuing medical or legal professions and those who are interested in environmental issues, [[Sustainable Development Goals|sustainable development goals]] and international contributions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=國府田英之 |date=2021-09-15 |title=社会問題化した宗教団体「摂理」がコロナ禍で有名大学で勧誘を活発化 SNSを駆使した巧妙な手口〈dot.〉 |url=https://dot.asahi.com/dot/2021091300043.html |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=AERA dot. (アエラドット)}}</ref> The movement is also known to recruit tall, fair-skinned and glamorous university students. It uses social media and student/workplace mentorship networking events to draw new members. It was estimated that the movement has increased its membership from about 2,000 to more than 6,000 followers in Japan between 2006 and 2022.<ref name=":5" />

The group's church usually consisted of a single apartment room, where their religious studies occurred.<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult" /> Sometimes the church was where some of the faithful cohabited. There were some 40 such churches across Japanese cities as of 2006.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007b|p=4}}<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" /> Members as students working part-time jobs were expected to contribute a minimum of {{JPY|1000|link=yes}} at weekly church service, and as full-salaried wage-earners, monthly [[tithe]]s and bonus-time donations.<ref name="donation-annual-1oku">{{Cite news
| script-title = ja:「摂理」献金年間１億円超、教祖の逃亡資金にも
| trans-title  = Providence contributions exceed 100 million yen, some funds used to assist leader's flight
| language     = ja
| journal      = Asahi Shimbun
| date         = July 31, 2006
| url          = http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0731/OSK200607310029.html
| access-date   = May 8, 2014
}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://religion.sakura.ne.jp/religion/ms/ms_doc_asahi060731b.htm Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304141816/http://religion.sakura.ne.jp/religion/ms/ms_doc_asahi060731b.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Believers were instructed to live frugally on cheap food and never indulge in alcohol.<ref name="donation-annual-1oku" /> They were forbidden from dating, but at a suitable time married within the group in mass ceremonies.<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" />{{efn|name="another-problem-cult"}}

Although the [[Supreme Court of Japan]] in 1996 ruled [[Blessing ceremony of the Unification Church]] was invalid, more than 300 Japanese members of Providence were wed in six [[Collective wedding|mass ceremonies]] held between 1996 and 2006 modeled on the UC. While being wanted on rape charges, Jung at a July 2003 mass wedding urged the couples via a big-screen Internet connection to have babies to increase the number of Providence members.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/05/08/Japan-court-rules-marriage-invalid/8165831528000/
| title        = Japan court rules marriage invalid – UPI Archives
| publisher    = Upi.com
| date         = May 8, 1996
| access-date   = September 12, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/05/08/Japan-court-rules-marriage-invalid/8165831528000/
| archive-date = January 19, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
| title       = Guru said to have raped prospective brides before mass weddings
| date       = August 3, 2006
| url       = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200608030075.html
| access-date       = September 11, 2015
}}</ref>

In 2007, Japanese Police raided eight Providence facilities in [[Chiba, Chiba|Chiba]] on suspicion that a senior member illegally obtained residence status. They also searched a facility in the city's [[Chūō-ku, Chiba|Chuo Ward]].<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/01/20/news/setsuri-cult-facilities-raided-over-immigration-suspicions/
| title        = Setsuri cult facilities raided over immigration suspicions
| work=[[The Japan Times]]
| date         = January 20, 2007
| access-date   = December 18, 2013
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219022952/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/01/20/news/setsuri-cult-facilities-raided-over-immigration-suspicions/
| archive-date = December 19, 2013
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> The senior member, a Korean, was arrested for overstaying her visa.  It was learned that Providence recruited "high class, high income" men and selected women for "style and looks".<ref>{{Cite news
| script-title = ja:カルトSEX教団に強制捜査...教祖にせっせと女性貢ぐ
| trans-title  = Cultic sex religious group raided by investigators.. women assiduously feed money to founder
| language     = ja
| date         = January 19, 2007
| url          = http://www.zakzak.co.jp/top/2007_01/t2007011901.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20070226172509/http://www.zakzak.co.jp/top/2007_01/t2007011901.html
| archive-date  = February 26, 2007
| access-date   = September 1, 2015
}}</ref>

As of 2008, it has been said that over 100 women have fallen victim of Jung's sexual transgressions in Japan alone.<ref name="tamaki" />

=== New Zealand ===
''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'' reported that Providence is recruiting young women in universities, shopping centres and churches. The [[University of Auckland]] issued a warning to student groups, and a parent support group for those whose children have been recruited or impacted was established. The [[Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand|Presbyterian Church of Auckland]] stated that its members are also being targeted. A 22-year-old University of Auckland student said that while a member she participated in photoshoots, fashion shows, and a Bible study course which introduced Jung as the new messiah. A Providence leader was approached for comment, but failed to turn up to a meeting with Herald staff.<ref>{{cite news
| url         = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11859132
| title       = Kiwi women targeted by religious group hunting brides for convicted rapist
| first       = Lincoln
| last        = Tan
| date        = 19 May 2017
| newspaper   = The New Zealand Herald
| access-date  = 19 December 2017
| via         = www.nzherald.co.nz
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111111081401/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1
| archive-date = November 11, 2011
| url-status     = live
| df          = mdy-all
}}</ref>

=== Taiwan ===
Providence's earliest activity in Taiwan was in 1988.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.ccya.org.tw/history07.php
| script-title = zh:海外宣教
| trans-title  = Foreign missionary work
| access-date   = April 22, 2006
| publisher    = 中華基督教新時代青年會CCYA(攝理教會)
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20060328012607/http://www.ccya.org.tw/history07.php
| archive-date  = March 28, 2006
| quote        = {{lang|zh-hant|台灣的宣教活動自從1988年開始 }}
| language=zh
}}</ref> It is commonly known as Jesus Morning Star Church (JMS), ({{lang-zh|t=晨星會|tp=chéeng sīn hùei|p=chéngxīng huì}}, {{lang|zh|攝理教}} or {{lang|zh|攝禮教}}; shè lǐ jìao). Providence itself rejects these common names, officially registered as China Christian Youth Association  (CCYA; {{lang|zh|中華基督教新時代青年會}}), and sometimes calls itself Providence Church ({{lang|zh|攝理教會}}).<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://ccya.21ccea.org/files/ccya-id.html
| script-title = zh:立案證書
| trans-title  = Application certificate
| publisher    = 中華基督教新時代青年會CCYA(攝理教會)
| language     = zh
| title        = Loading
| access-date  = February 7, 2007
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070427204620/http://ccya.21ccea.org/files/ccya-id.html
| archive-date = April 27, 2007
| url-status     = dead
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In November 2001 the Taiwanese version of ''[[Next Magazine (Chinese magazine)|Next Magazine]]'' published the article "Korean cult leader raped over one hundred Taiwanese female college students". Allegedly involved [[National Taiwan University]], [[Fu Jen Catholic University]], and [[National Chengchi University]] all denied the report, stated that there were no cult activities in their campuses at the time. NCCU acknowledged that there had been such activities many years ago.  There had been similar reports in 1997.<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://210.69.89.131/cnaweb/showframe.asp?recordnum=12&RltIndex=11&database=1,&user=321&databaseNum=12,&pagenum=1&ID=862821&P=中央日報&D=90/11/09&T=8
 |script-title = zh:宗教染指 上百女生受害？某周刊指韓國攝理教會教主涉嫌引誘非禮 遭點名臺大、政大、輔大否認
 |trans-title  = Religion infiltrates, upwards of 100 female student victims? Certain weekly magazine alleges Korean Providence leader with indecent assault, naming National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University, Fu Jen University who all deny
 |publisher    = [[Central Daily News]]
 |last1        = Lee
 |first1       = Mei-hua (李美嬅)
 |last2        = Chen
 |first2       = Luo-wei (陳洛薇)
 |date         = November 9, 2001
 |page         = 8
 |language     = zh
}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url        = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/11/12/111168
| title      = S Korean religious figure faces sexual assault accusations
| work       = [[Taipei Times]]
| date       = November 12, 2001
| access-date = March 1, 2014
| quote      = Chung {{Sic }} Myung-seok ({{lang|zh-hant|鄭明析}}), founder of the South Korean Jesus Morning Star Church ({{lang|zh-hant|南韓攝理教會}}), is suspected of sexually assaulting his female followers. A Chinese-language magazine said Chung had sexually assaulted the women, many of them students from National Taiwan and National Chengchi universities, telling them it was part of a religious ceremony. The accusation prompted the police to investigate.
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141016/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/11/12/111168
 |archive-date = March 1, 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Taiwanese authorities investigated Jung for raping women, but he fled the country.<ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily" /><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=keri20030622123441
| archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130418205504/http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=keri20030622123441
| url-status     = dead
| archive-date = April 18, 2013
| script-title = zh:攝理教主鄭明析 性侵女教友遭通緝
| trans-title  = Providence leader Jung Myung Seok wanted for sexual assault of female parishioners
| publisher    = [[TVBS]]
| date         = June 2, 2006
| access-date   = September 10, 2015
| language     = zh
}}</ref> Members of EXODUS soon came to Taiwan and held a press conference with an involved woman.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.ettoday.com/2001/12/10/218-1234524.htm
| script-title = zh:攝理教韓受害女性控訴教主 記者會火爆口角衝突
| trans-title  = Prividence's Korean female victims file appeal suit against leader, press club clashes with heated debate
| last1        = Chen
| first1       = Zhidong (陳志東)
| publisher    = ETtoday.com
| date         = December 10, 2001
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20081008035158/http://www.nownews.com/2001/12/10/218-1234524.htm
| archive-date  = October 8, 2008
| access-date   = April 6, 2015
| language     = zh
| url-status      = dead
| df           = mdy
}}</ref>

In October 2005 ''[[Apple Daily (Taiwan)|Apple Daily]]'' reported that many student clubs in [[National Central University]] and other campuses are recruiting for Providence Church. These clubs hold a wide variety of activities including the "Eagle Cup" soccer tournament in Taipei city and regular model training. The paper quoted an undisclosed former church member, that the church's "modeling department" is in fact a channel of recruiting sexual partners for Jung. The paper obtained three audio recordings of dialogs of some female members, which say that Jung have had sex with ten female members by mutual consent, most of them college students from the modeling department.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.appledaily.com.tw/appledaily/article/headline/20051013/2124471/
| script-title = zh:踢爆邪教魔爪校園再現
| trans-title  = Blowing whistle on the cult's demonic clutches reappearing on campuses
| last1        = Huang
| first1       = Pai-hsüeh (黃白雪)
| work         = [[Apple Daily (Taiwan)|Apple Daily]]
| language     = zh
| date         = October 13, 2005
| access-date  = August 24, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150824134305/http://www.appledaily.com.tw/appledaily/article/headline/20051013/2124471/
| archive-date = August 24, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In November 2024, JMS conducted the "13th Blessing Ceremony (Wedding)" for Taiwanese followers, during which concerns were raised about the excessive invasion of privacy. Specifically, the organization reportedly asked participants intrusive questions, including inquiries about the frequency of sexual relations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=대만 JMS, 속칭 '축복식' 앞두고 성관계·임신·낙태 여부 설문지 배포|trans-title=Taiwan JMS Distributes Questionnaire on Sexual Relations, Pregnancy, and Abortion Ahead of So-Called "Blessing Ceremony"|language=ko|url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30018|access-date=7 November 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=6 November 2024}}</ref>