Editing World Mission Society Church of God

{{Short description|Christian new religious movement}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Independent sources|date=March 2024}}
{{POV|date=September 2024}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| abbreviation       = WMSCOG
| name               = World Mission Society Church of God<br>하나님의교회 세계복음선교협회
| image              = World Mission Society Church of God DC 01(cropped).jpg
| imagewidth         = 250px
| caption            = A 2011 acquired church building in the US at [[Capitol Hill]], [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="Washington City Newspaper3"/>
| main_classification = [[Christianity|Christian]] [[new religious movement]]
| orientation        = [[Restorationism|Restorationist]]
| theology           = [[New Covenant Theology|New Covenant]]
| polity             = 
| slogan             = We Love You<ref name="volunteer-slogan">{{cite web|url=https://watv.org/faith_life/beautiful-mind/|url-access=|title=A Beautiful Mind|last=Choi|first=Yun-heui|year=2020|editor-first=|editor-link=|editor2-last=|editor2-first=|editor2-link=|department=Section "Faith & Life"|website=watv.org|series=|publisher=WMSCOG|agency=|at=Quote at one third of text|language=en|script-title=|trans-title=|type=Volunteer Service Review|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222121439/https://watv.org/faith_life/beautiful-mind/|archive-date=2022-02-22|quote=Even when we cheered him, shouting our slogan, "We love you,"...}}</ref>
| founder            = [[Ahn Sahng-hong]]
| leader_title       = General Pastor
| leader_name        = Kim Joo-Cheol
| leader_title2      = God the Mother
| leader_name2       = [[Zahng Gil-jah]]
| leader_title3      = God the Father
| leader_name3       = 
| area               = Worldwide
| headquarters       = ''"WMC Building"'' ({{Coord|37.3804|127.1175|dim:46000_region:KR|display=inline}})<ref name="bundang-address">{{cite web|url=https://watv.org/new-jerusalem-temple/|url-access=|title=Representative Church|year=2019|editor-first=|editor-link=|editor2-last=|editor2-first=|editor2-link=|department=|website=watv.org|series=|publisher=WMSCOG|agency=|page=|at=|language=en|script-title=|trans-title=|type=Introduction Page|access-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108021515/https://watv.org/new-jerusalem-temple/|archive-date=2022-01-08|quote=New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple – 35, Pangyoyeok-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Rep. of Korea – ... – P.O. Box 119, Seongnam Bundang Post Office, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Rep. of Korea – Tel. +82-31-738-5999 – Fax. +82-31-738-5998 – Head Office: 50, Sunae-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Rep. of Korea}}</ref> in [[Sunae-dong|Sunae]], [[Bundang-gu|Bundang]], 25 km southeast of [[Seoul|Seoul center]], [[South Korea|Korea]]
| founded_date       = {{start date and age|df=yes|1964|4|28}}
| founded_place      = South Korea
| separated_from     = ''"Church of God"'' on 2 June 1985<ref name="ncpcog" />
| separations        = 
| hospitals          = 
| nursing_homes      = 
| aid                = 
| congregations      = 
| members            = 
| ministers_type     = Pastors
| ministers          = 
| primary_schools    = 
| secondary_schools  = 
| tertiary           = <!-- please, put a number here only if an independent academic source or a Korean government source is listing these as higher education institutions -->
| other_names        = ''"Church of God", "Witnesses of Ahn Sahng-hong Church of God"''
| website            = {{URL|watv.org}}
| footnotes          = Main church is the 2014 acquired ''"New Jerusalem [[Pangyo-dong|Pangyo]] Temple"'' ({{Coord|37.3839|127.1087|dim:46000_region:KR|display=inline,title}}),<ref name="bundang-address" /> also in [[Bundang-gu|Bundang]], 25 km southeast of Seoul center
}}
The '''World Mission Society Church of God''' is a [[Non-denominational Christianity|Christian non-denominational]] [[Church (congregation)|church]] established by [[Ahn Sahng-hong]] in [[South Korea]] in 1964.<ref name="southern_factor_2015_researchgate_net">James, Jonathan D., [[Edith Cowan University]], editor, [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jonathan_James11/publication/317954145_The_Southern_Factor_Prospects_and_Challenges_Sage_Publications_2015/links/5953394d0f7e9b329239d0b9/The-Southern-Factor-Prospects-and-Challenges-Sage-Publications-2015.pdf?origin=publication_detail "The Southern Factor: Prospects and Challenges,"] from book ''A Moving Faith: Mega Churches go South,'' 2015, Sage Publications, Los Angeles and New Delhi, retrieved 2018-05-23.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducción |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/about/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref> Ex-members and several individuals have called it a [[cult]].{{refn|See:<ref name="North Jersey">{{Cite web |last1=Koloff |first1=Abbot |last2=Harris |first2=Chris |date=16 January 2016 |title=Controversy engulfs Ridgewood church; officials praise deeds; ex-members call it a cult |url=https://www.northjersey.com/news/controversy-engulfs-ridgewood-church-officials-praise-deeds-ex-members-call-it-a-cult-1.1493693 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403065226/http://www.northjersey.com/news/controversy-engulfs-ridgewood-church-officials-praise-deeds-ex-members-call-it-a-cult-1.1493693 |archive-date=3 April 2016 |access-date=2024-04-06 |website=NorthJersey.com}}</ref><ref name="Peoplemag" /><ref name="NJ.com-2016" /><ref name="statepress" /><ref name="NBC Investigates" />|name="cult"}} The church believes that founder Ahn Sahng-hong is the [[Second Coming|Second Coming of Jesus]], and that [[Zahng Gil-jah]] is God incarnate, in the form of "God the Mother".<ref name="amen12676-1948-88a2" /> Its headquarters as well as its main church are located [[Sung-nam City|Sungnam City, Kyunggi Province]], near [[Seoul]].<ref name="southern_factor_2015_researchgate_net" />

== History ==

=== Founding ===
Ahn Sahng-hong founded the ''Church of God'' in South Korea on 28 April 1964.<ref name="history">{{Cite web |title=Church of God History |url=https://watv.org/history/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |publisher=WATV.ORG |language=en}}</ref><ref name="official introduction">{{cite web |title=World Mission Society Church of God |url=https://en.churchofgod.wiki/World_Mission_Society_Church_of_God |access-date=2024-01-26 |publisher=Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia}}</ref> During his lifetime, there were 13 branches, and the headquarters were located in Busan.<ref name="ncpcog">{{Cite web |title=the life of Ahn sahnghong |url=https://www.ncpcog.co.kr/home/b/0603/525 |access-date=2020-03-19 |publisher=ncpcog |language=ko-KR}}</ref> After Ahn Sahng-hong died on 25 February 1985, a general assembly of all the church leaders was held in [[Busan]] on 4 March 1985. In this meeting, they recognized Kim Joo-cheol as Ahn Sahng-hong's successor and [[Zahng Gil-jah]] as Ahn Sahng-hong's spiritual bride.<ref name="ncpcog" /> The headquarters were moved from [[Busan]] to [[Seoul]] on 22 March.<ref name="ncpcog" /> However, in April, leaders of 2 out of 13 churches opposed the doctrine of the spiritual bride and split. They formed the minority group NCPCOG.<ref name="ncpcog" /> The majority group of 11 churches, led by Kim Joo-cheol, held a meeting in Seoul on 2 June 1985. During this meeting, they affirmed two major doctrines: that Ahn Sahng-hong should be regarded as the Second Coming of Christ and Zahng Gil-jah should be regarded as God the Mother. They also changed the church's name to ''Witnesses of Ahn Sahng-hong Church of God''.<ref name="inch106doctrines">{{cite web|author=Information Network on Christian Heresy|script-title=ko:///현대종교///|url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114038/http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=106|archive-date=2014-02-02|access-date=2013-08-28|language=ko}}</ref><ref name="heresy1999">{{cite book|author1=이대복|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p3QLAQAAMAAJ|author2=월간교회와이단|publisher=기독교이단문제연구소|year=1999|language=ko|script-title=ko:이단연구: 안식일교정체, 안상홍(하나님교회)사교집단|trans-title=Heresy studies: Sabbath school retention, ansanghong (Church of God) cult|access-date=2013-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617202157/http://books.google.com/books?id=p3QLAQAAMAAJ|archive-date=2014-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nrk2002">{{cite book|url=https://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailOnelineKor.laf?mallGb=KOR&barcode=2008241000146&linkClass=21030901&ejkGb=KOR|date=27 April 2002|publisher=Hyudae Jongyo|pages=145–168|language=ko|script-title=ko:한국의 재림주들(2002 한국의 신흥종교 실태조사 연구집 1)|trans-title=Researches on the New Religions of Korea 2002, Collection I (subtitled, Self-Claimed Reborn Jesus Christ of Korea)|access-date=2013-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915161138/https://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailOnelineKor.laf?mallGb=KOR&barcode=2008241000146&linkClass=21030901&ejkGb=KOR|archive-date=2017-09-15|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ncpcog">{{Cite web |title=the life of Ahn sahnghong |url=https://www.ncpcog.co.kr/home/b/0603/525 |access-date=2020-03-19 |publisher=ncpcog |language=ko-KR}}</ref><ref name="culteducation">{{Cite news |last=New Jersey |first=Superior Court |date=19 April 2013 |title=Law Suit Issued by WMSCOG |url=https://culteducation.com/reference/wmscog/Ex%20Member%20Attacks%20back.pdf |access-date=2020-11-14 |work=[[Cult Education]]}}</ref><ref name="amen12676-1948-88a2">{{cite web|author=Amennews|date=5 June 2013|script-title=ko:'하나님의교회'(세계복음선교협회)의 주요교리와 그 비판|trans-title=Criticism of the Major Doctrines of World Mission Society Church of God|url=http://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=12676|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002232901/http://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=12676|archive-date=2013-10-02|access-date=2013-08-18|language=ko}}</ref><ref name="ikccah2023">{{cite web|author=International Korean Christian Coalition against Heresy|date=18 May 2012|script-title=ko:과연 안상홍의 부인은 누구인가?|trans-title=Who is the wife of ansanghong really?|url=http://ikccah.org/2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917082022/http://ikccah.org/2023|archive-date=2013-09-17|access-date=2013-08-18|language=ko}}</ref> Around 1997, the Witnesses of Ahn Sahng-hong Church of God established a non-profit organization titled the ''World Mission Society Church of God'' for the purpose of registering and managing the organization's assets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcst.go.kr/kor/s_data/corporation/corpView.jsp?pSeq=4125 |title=The Status of Non-Profit Organizations|publisher=Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea|language=ko}}</ref><ref name="renamed-cwm">{{cite news|date=29 September 2003|script-title=ko:법원, "근거없는 추측비방은 비인격적인 범법행위"|language=ko|work=The Christian World Monitor|url=http://www.cwmonitor.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=7917|url-status=live|access-date=2013-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201174839/http://www.cwmonitor.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=7917|archive-date=2014-02-01}}</ref><ref name="kcourt2005">{{cite court|litigants=Church of God World Gospel Association v. Ji Won Tak|court=Northern Seoul Regional Court Civil Section Number 11|vol=|opinion=|pinpoint=|date=8 July 2005|url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-VK7RLDRwS4S1ktblozc1FabVk/edit?usp=sharing}}</ref>

=== 1988 doomsday prophecy ===
In his 1980 book ''The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life'', Ahn Sahng-hong predicted that the world would end in 1988, 40 years after the independence of Israel in 1948, citing {{bibleverse|Matthew|24:32-34}}.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ahn |first=Sahng-hong |url=http://www.ncpcog.co.kr/truth?directory=ori_book&bpm_gubun=1&bpm_num=29 |title=The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life |publisher=Church of God |year=1980 |location=Korea |language=ko |access-date=2013-08-18}}</ref><ref name="wa1988end12">{{cite web |author=Church of God, the association of An Sang Hong Witness [sic] |year=1988 |title=1988 is the end of the world (front) |url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-VK7RLDRwS4NWF6Q0lGVUJUTFU/edit?usp=sharing |access-date=2013-08-18 |language=ko, en}}</ref><ref name="wa1988end22">{{cite web |author=Church of God, the association of An Sang Hong Witness [sic] |year=1988 |title=1988 is the end of the world (back) |url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-VK7RLDRwS4X21OQmQ4bGRVeHc/edit?usp=sharing |access-date=2013-08-18 |language=ko, en}}</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=March 2024}}

In 1981, Ahn Sahng-hong predicted Christ's death at his second coming in a media interview. On 18 March 1981, the weekly magazine Religion Weekly reported under the title "Unknown New Religion: The Church of God," that Jesus would come to earth a second time in secret and pass away after preaching the gospel for thirty-seven years: "The Church of God believes that the second Christ will appear in this age, and that he will do so in the flesh with eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. [...] because the new covenant He forged at his first coming was abolished during the dark ages. Therefore, the Lord himself must come again to restore the truth of life, the new covenant, [...]" Thus, he fulfilled the Bible's prophecies about Christ at his second coming and left this evidence for the people.

Ahn Sahng-hong emphasized that salvation does not depend on knowing the date of the end, but on knowing and following the truth of the new covenant.

==== Legal proceedings ====
Much has been said about this church regarding its prophecies. The church itself has been the object of ridicule by other churches who attribute acts of heresy to it. {{Citation needed|reason=assumes motive without citation|date=September 2025}} In 2017, at least two members of the South Korean group Hapimo accused the church of falsely predicting the end of the world in 1988, 1999, and 2012 to defraud members and accumulate wealth.<ref name="kportalnews">{{cite web|title=장길자 교주 김주철 총회장에 죄값 묻겠다|trans-title=We will hold Zahng Gil-ja and Kim Joo-cheol accountable for their sins|url=http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=13940|website=kportalnews.co.kr|date=28 Jul 2017|language=ko}}</ref>
After a police investigation, the case lacked sufficient evidence and concrete testimonies of harm, resulting in no charges.<ref name="kportalnews"/><ref name="police opinion">{{citation|title=Judicial Police Officer's Opinion Statement|url=https://mblogthumb-phinf.pstatic.net/MjAyNDEwMDNfNjkg/MDAxNzI3OTUzMTM2OTI5.IkLQRMJYwKoDn50tgQ5NnbLF8K7RLZLn0I5bwQkhjTcg.nMB1tx9DJVXxPSAVzMEv9hcUdGyKhUCJz3YYdHI5ijcg.JPEG/2.jpeg?type=w800 |work=case no.2017형제32311호| language=ko-KR|publisher=Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch}}</ref>
The case was forwarded to prosecutors, who ultimately dismissed it, determining that there were no clear elements to establish fraud.<ref name="kportalnews" /><ref name="police opinion" /><ref name="dismiss">{{citation|url=https://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/photo/202410/13940_32267_1547.jpg|title=Notice of Non-Prosecution|work=case no.2017형제32311호|publisher=Suwon District Prosecutors' Office Seongnam Branch | date= 12 Jul 2018|language=ko-KR}}</ref>

== Beliefs ==
=== The Second Coming of Christ ===
The church believes that Ahn Sahng-hong represents the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, according to the prophecies Jesus Christ left in parables at his first coming, which only he himself could reveal. They believe that the legitimate laws, statutes, and commandments of the Bible, inspired by God himself and solemnly followed by Jesus and his apostles, have been modified since the martyrdom of the apostles and corrupted by the councils presided over by Constantine and his successors. Therefore, before the final judgment, Christ must appear a second time to restore the truth of God's laws. They believe that Ahn Sahng-hong restored the truth of Passover and the Sabbath, as well as the other solemn feasts and the Ten Commandments, and they believe he fulfilled the biblical prophecies about the Second Coming of Christ, including the time and place.
Regarding the [[Trinity]], they believe that [[God the Father]], [[God the Son]], and [[Holy Spirit|the Holy Spirit]] are one and the same God. Therefore, Ahn Sahng-hong is God the Father, God the Son, and consequently also God the Holy Spirit. They conduct prayers in the name of Ahn Sahng-hong instead of the name of Jesus Christ. They believe that just as Christians prayed in the name of Jesus after He came as the Christ, they now pray in the name of the Second Coming Christ.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ahnsahnghong |url=https://es.churchofgod.wiki/Ahnsahnghong |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Enciclopedia de conocimiento de la Iglesia de Dios |language=es}}</ref>

=== God the Mother ===
The church believes Zahng Gil-jah, to be God, in the form of "God the Mother", a female image of God. They believe that there are two images of God: God the Father and God the Mother. They base this doctrine on the [[Hebrew]] plural word ''[[Elohim]]'' which refers to God, and on Genesis 1:26-27, where God created humans in God's image, both male and female. They also cite New Testament passages, such as 'our Mother' in Galatians 4:26 and 'the Spirit and the Bride' in Revelation 21:2,9 and Revelation 22:17, as evidence of the existence of God the Mother.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dios Madre |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/teaching/god-the-mother/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref>

=== Passover ===
The church teaches that celebrating the Passover is a biblically supported tradition, citing primarily John 6:53 where Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," and Matthew 26:26 where, during Passover, he offers bread and wine as his body and blood. They argue that the Passover ceremony represents the new covenant, granting forgiveness of original sin that led to the death of the soul, since whoever celebrates the Passover properly accepts Jesus Christ as God himself and thus receives the redemption granted through the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, thus receiving the promise of eternal life.<ref name="Nuevo pacto">{{Cite web |title=Nuevo pacto |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/teaching/new-covenant/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref>

=== Saturday Sabbath ===
The church observes Saturday worship as the [[Sabbath]], based on Genesis 2:1, which states that the Sabbath is the seventh day.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=¿Cuál es el Día de Reposo en la Biblia? Origen del Día de Reposo, día de la semana, significado e importancia |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/teaching/what-is-sabbath-in-bible/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref> The reason for keeping the Sabbath is that it is the fourth commandment of the [[Ten Commandments]], with both Jesus and the apostles observing it, as noted in Luke 4, Acts 17 and 18.<ref name=":1" />

The church observes the Sabbath from [[sunrise]] on Saturday, following the teachings of its founder, Ahn Sang-hong.<ref name=":1" /> This practice differs from that of the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], which observes the Sabbath from Friday [[sunset]] to Saturday sunset.<ref>{{cite web |title=What Adventists Believe about the Sabbath |url=https://www.adventist.org/the-sabbath/?searchsite=www.adventist.org&ref=on-site-search&searchterm=friday+evening | website=adventist.org| date=26 January 2016 }}</ref>

=== Women's Veil in Worship ===
The church teaches that, while praying or worshiping, women should cover their heads with a veil and men should not cover their heads, referring to 1 Corinthians 11:3-4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La regla del velo en la Biblia |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/teaching/veil-in-the-bible/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref> They argue that this differs from Catholic practice, where priests wear head coverings like the [[mitre]].<ref name="j-2024-05-21" /><ref name="veil">{{cite web |title=Women's Veil |url=https://en.churchofgod.wiki/Women%E2%80%99s_Veil |website=Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia}}</ref>

=== Non-observance of Christmas ===
The church does not observe [[Christmas]] on 25 December. They claim 25 December did not originate from the Bible, but rather from the Roman festival of [[Sol Invictus]] (the Unconquered Sun), coinciding with the winter solstice.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bradshaw |first1=Paul |editor1-last=Larsen |editor1-first=Timothy |title=The Oxford Handbook of Christmas |date=2020 |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=4–10 |chapter=The Dating of Christmas}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Forsythe |first1=Gary |title=Time in Roman Religion: One Thousand Years of Religious History |date=2012 |publisher=Routledge |page=141}}</ref><ref name="j-2024-05-21" /><ref name="christmas">{{cite web|title=Christmas|url=https://en.churchofgod.wiki/Christmas|website=Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia}}</ref> They also claim that traditions associated with 25 December, such as decorating trees and Santa Claus, lack any basis in Scripture. The church views the celebration of Christmas as a human tradition, referencing the warning in Matthew 15.<ref name="j-2024-05-21" /><ref name="christmas" />

=== Idolatry ===
The church states that according to its interpretation of {{Bibleverse|Exodus|20:4-5}}, items such as [[cross]]es and [[statue]]s are considered a form of [[idolatry]] and are not erected on or in their churches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origen e historia de la cruz, un símbolo pagano |url=https://ahnsahnghong.com/es/church-of-god/origin-of-cross/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=Cristo Ahnsahnghong |language=es-ES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Malony |first=H. Newton |date=January 1974 |title=The Christian Psychology of Paul Tournier: ''By Gary R. Collins'': Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Book House, 1973. 222 pp. $4.95 |url=https://doi.org/10.1177/004057367403000422 |journal=Theology Today |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=432–435 |doi=10.1177/004057367403000422 |issn=0040-5736|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Epilogue |work=Walter Harper, Alaska Native Son |pages=151–154 |url=https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1tp3cbg.14 |access-date=2025-06-12 |publisher=UNP - Bison Books|doi=10.2307/j.ctt1tp3cbg.14 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==== Stained glass windows ====
[[File:World Mission Society Church of God DC 01(cropped).jpg|thumb|The Church installed storm windows over the stained glass windows.<ref name="capitol hill corner">{{cite web |date=13 Feb 2024 |title=Covering Stained Glass of Capitol Hill Church Prompts Neighbor Outrage |url=https://capitolhillcorner.org/2024/02/13/covering-stained-glass-of-capitol-hill-church-prompts-neighbor-outrage/ |publisher=CAPITOL HILL CORNER}}</ref>]]
According to the Washington City Newspaper in 2012, the church removes all [[stained glass]] windows from churches it uses, claiming that images made of light, like those cast from stained glass windows, are rooted in [[sun worship]].<ref name="Washington City Newspaper3">{{cite web |first=Lydia | last=DePillis |date=2012-05-23 |title=Broken Windows Theory |url=https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/news/housing-complex/blog/13122861/broken-windows-theory |access-date=2018-04-23 |publisher=Washington City Newspaper}}</ref> This caused a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., after the church purchased a historically preserved building and attempted to remove the historically preserved stained glass windows.<ref name="Washington City Newspaper3" />

After purchasing the [[Capitol Hill]] church, the church removed the windows<ref name="Capitol Hill Corner-2013" /> in an attempt to replace them with clear glass.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} Concerned residents contacted the Historic Preservation Office (HPO), which contacted the church and was informed that the windows had not been removed.<ref name="Capitol Hill Corner-2013" /> After residents provided evidence that the windows had in fact been removed, the church responded by filing an application with the HPO to replace the stained glass windows,<ref name="Capitol Hill Corner-2013" /> citing their religious beliefs, as well as concerns about lead safety and energy efficiency.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} The D.C. government ruled that the church had created a conflict between preservation laws and its religious freedom by failing to conduct due diligence before purchasing the building.<ref name="Capitol Hill Corner-2013" /> They ordered the restoration of the stained glass windows.<ref name="Capitol Hill Corner-2013">{{cite web |date=19 Jun 2013 |title=SAVED? City Orders Preservation of Epworth's Stained Glass Windows |url=https://capitolhillcorner.org/2013/06/19/2810/ |publisher=CAPITOL HILL CORNER}}</ref><ref name="Washington City Newspaper3" />

After the restoration, the church applied for a permit to install [[storm window]] over the stained glass and the HPO found that regulations did not prohibit the installation of storm windows and that a permit was not required. The church then installed storm windows.<ref name="capitol hill corner" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The Church of God in Washington, D.C. |url=https://washingtondcwmscog.com/about-us/locations/ |website=washingtondcwmscog.com}}</ref>

== Evangelism and recruitment ==
Members travel from door to door, in shopping malls, and on college campuses to spread their beliefs. Recruiters have been known to ask young people and adults—anyone they see on the street—if they would like to learn about God the Mother, sometimes preceded by asking if they believe in a female goddess ("God the Mother"). This church has been the subject of serious complaints from other churches and neighbors who have felt affected by the departure of parishioners or faithful with the arrival of the World Mission Society Church of God. They have even been accused of human trafficking, charges that have been dismissed.<ref name="dailyutahchronicle" /> The Church also invests financially in charity and social service; in 2016, a UK branch received The Queen's Award for their charitable actions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Queen's Award |url=https://ukzion.watv.org/queens-award/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=World Mission Society Church of God in UK |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Campus evangelism ===
Some college campuses in the U.S. have banned the church's recruiters for trespassing or proselytizing without permission. The University of Memphis and Ole Miss barred the church's evangelism activities from their campuses. A church member at the University of Memphis mentioned that there had been no issues about spreading messages for years and believed the actions were a result of false allegations on social media.<ref>[http://wreg.com/2018/01/31/religious-individuals-placed-under-investigation-by-u-of-m-police/ "Church members barred from U of M campus for 'aggressively' discussing religion,"] 31 January 2018, [[WREG-TV]], [[Memphis, Tennessee]], retrieved 2018-05-22.</ref><ref name="actionnews5">{{cite web |last=Broach |first=Janice |date=5 Feb 2018 |title=Mid-South church responds to being banned from 2 college campuses |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/story/37425265/mid-south-church-responds-to-being-banned-from-2-college-campuses/ |website=actionnews5.com}}</ref><ref name="theutcecho">{{cite web |last=Wise |first=Eric |date=14 February 2018 |title=Church organization faces false allegations due to social media posts |url=http://www.theutcecho.com/church-organization-faces-false-allegations-due-to-social-media-posts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613110456/http://www.theutcecho.com/church-organization-faces-false-allegations-due-to-social-media-posts/ |archive-date=2020-06-13 |website=theutcecho.com}}</ref><ref name="God the Mother">{{cite web | url=https://oberlinreview.org/15581/news/campus_news/god-the-mother-followers-aim-to-proselytize-students/ | title='God the Mother' Followers Aim to Proselytize Students | date=23 February 2018 | work=Oberlin Review | publisher=[[Oberlin College]] | accessdate=2018-05-22}}</ref> University of Rochester stated that, because the church is not affiliated with the Interfaith Chapel, its members are not authorized to be on campus. Students should not feel in danger from this group but are advised to exercise caution.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.campustimes.org/2014/02/20/religious-recruiters-spark-concern/ | title=Religious recruiters spark concern | date=20 February 2014 | publisher=[[University of Rochester]] | location=[[Rochester, New York]] | accessdate=2018-05-23}}</ref> The [[Otago University Students' Association]] in [[Dunedin]] disaffiliated from the Elohim World Academy following complaints from students about deceptive and coercive recruitment methods. The [[University of Otago]]'s Proctor had considered trespassing members of the group but ruled it out since that would have violated the [[New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990]]'s provisions on religious freedom and freedom of expression.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Higham |first1=Joe |date=20 August 2020 |title=OUSA Disaffiliate Religious "Cult" After "Bringing OUSA Into Disrepute" |url=https://www.critic.co.nz/news/article/7043/ousa-disaffiliate-religious-cult-after-bringing-ou |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217045426/https://www.critic.co.nz/news/article/7043/ousa-disaffiliate-religious-cult-after-bringing-ou |archive-date=2018-02-17 |access-date=2020-08-24 |work=[[Critic (magazine)|Critic Te Arohi]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Timothy |date=10 March 2020 |title=OUSA disaffiliates religious group |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/ousa-disaffiliates-religious-group |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310195743/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/ousa-disaffiliates-religious-group |archive-date=2020-03-10 |access-date=2020-08-24 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]]}}</ref>

Rowan University's spokesperson stated that they follow the same rules as other visiting groups and have done nothing wrong.<ref name="nj2" /> Fresno City College's spokesperson said that they are not doing anything wrong and no malicious activity has ever been reported<ref name="fresnobee" /> Wichita State University police stated that while the members of the church approached people to talk about the Bible, they were not aggressive. People were making their own decisions to go with them, and there was no evidence of kidnapping or illegal activities.<ref>[http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article35218896.html "Wichita police: No abductions linked to missionaries in silver van,"] 14 September 2015, ''The Wichita Eagle'',</ref> A Deputy of the University of South Carolina Police Department said that they're very cognizant of the First Amendment and people's freedom of religion and they do not want to curtail those who have not heard of anything criminal.<ref name="dailygamecock" />

==== Craccum reporting ====
In September 2021, a writer from [[Auckland University]]'s student magazine ''Craccum'' published an article stating that the Elohim Academy was conducting door-knocking evangelism campaigns in [[Wellington]] and [[Auckland]], with an emphasis on recruiting young women. The article also reported claims from an anonymous female former member, who claimed that members were expected to follow strict rules, such as separating themselves from social media and non-church friends, attending masses and recruitment sessions, tithing ten percent of their income, avoiding wearing jeans, rejecting music and masturbation, and losing weight to fit Korean beauty standards. Former members alleged that members, including minors, were shamed for not meeting the church's rules and standards, and that members were ranked based on their recruitment rates. Church members were also reportedly shown graphic videos of [[Hell]]. In addition, pastors also arranged marriages between congregants.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ofren |first1=Keeara |date=13 September 2021 |title=Exclusive: Former Elohim Academy Cult Members Speak Out |url=http://craccum.co.nz/features/exclusive-former-elohim-academy-cult-member-speaks-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929015121/http://craccum.co.nz/features/exclusive-former-elohim-academy-cult-member-speaks-out/ |archive-date=29 September 2021 |access-date=29 September 2021 |work=[[Craccum]]}}</ref>


==== ASEZ ====
The World Mission Society Church of God has a university volunteer division called the ASEZ ("Save the World from A to Z").<ref name="Jeyaretnam-2022">{{Cite web |last=Jeyaretnam |first=Sarah Cook, Miranda |date=2022-04-27 |title=Religious group facing "cult" allegations looks to recruit members on Yale's campus |url=https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2022/04/27/religious-group-facing-cult-allegations-looks-to-recruit-members-on-yales-campus%EF%BF%BC/ |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=Yale Daily News |language=en}}</ref> The organization, which recruits on university campuses, claims that students can be members of ASEZ without being members of the church, but this has been contested.<ref name="Jeyaretnam-2022" /> According to the Yale Daily News, Yale students who were approached and attended meetings of the group stated that the organization was not framed as being separate from the church, and that representatives mainly focused on religious aspects rather than volunteerism.<ref name="Jeyaretnam-2022" /> One student was told that the group's slogan was for "saving the people on earth from the end of the world."<ref name="Jeyaretnam-2022" /> According to Steven Hassan, an author and counselor specializing in cults, many destructive cults use small "fringe groups" to deceptively recruit members, of which the ASEZ is an example.<ref name="Jeyaretnam-2022" />

=== False rumors of human trafficking ===
Since 2018, there have been rumors spread through [[social media]] that the evangelism about 'God the Mother' of the WMSCOG is linked to human trafficking. Local police investigations have confirmed that these rumors are false.<ref>{{cite web |last=DeMoss |first=Adrienne |date=10 Feb 2022 |title=Online rumors spark misinformation about church group traveling through College Station |url=https://www.kbtx.com/2022/02/09/online-rumors-spark-misinformation-about-church-group-traveling-through-college-station/ |website=kbtx.com}}</ref><ref name="thedmonline">{{Cite web |last=Abernathy |first=Kathryn |date=30 Jan 2018 |title=Local religious group faces false accusations due to viral media posts |url=https://thedmonline.com/local-religious-group-faces-false-accusations-due-viral-media-posts/ |access-date=1 Apr 2020 |website=The Daily Mississippian}}</ref><ref name="grady">{{cite web |date=8 Feb 2018 |title=Retraction |url=http://gradynewsource.uga.edu/blog/2018/02/08/retraction/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106123128/http://gradynewsource.uga.edu/blog/2018/02/08/retraction/ |archive-date=6 Jan 2019 |website=gradynewsource.uga.edu}}</ref> A supervisor in the Vice-Criminal Intelligence Unit of the [[Fresno Police Department|Fresno Police]] stated that there is no evidence of human trafficking activity and that research using government and non-government sources did not show any criminal activity associated with the individuals or the church elsewhere.<ref name="fresnobee">{{Cite web |last=RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO |first=CRESENCIO |date=10 Aug 2018 |title=Did you share 'God the Mother' rumor on Facebook? Fresno police says it's not true |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article216084735.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811114812/https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article216084735.html |archive-date=11 Aug 2018 |website=fresnobee.com}}</ref> The rumor is estimated to have started on social media in early 2018<ref name="fresnobee" /> and spread to various regions, particularly through campus student associations.<ref name="nj2">{{cite web |last=Napoliello |first=Alex |date=21 Feb 2018 |title=No, a church isn't trying to sex traffic women on college campuses |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2018/02/no_a_religious_group_is_not_trying_to_sex_traffic.html |website=nj.com}}</ref> Investigations into the rumor were conducted at the [[University of Mississippi]], the [[University of Louisville]], [[Vanderbilt University]], the [[University of Georgia]],<ref name="thedmonline" /> the [[University of South Carolina]],<ref name="dailygamecock">{{Cite web |last=Leonard |first=Joseph |date=15 Sep 2019 |title=God the Mother Church Cleared of Human Trafficking Claims by USCPD |url=https://www.dailygamecock.com/article/2019/09/columbia-usc-god-the-mother |website=The Daily Gamecock}}</ref> the [[University of Utah]],<ref name="dailyutahchronicle">{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Maddy La |date=6 May 2020 |title=University Police Find No Ties Between Mother of God Church and Sex Trafficking |url=https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2020/03/06/mother-of-god-church/ |access-date=1 Apr 2020 |website=The Daily Utah Chronicle}}</ref> [[Oberlin College]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Andrea |date=23 Feb 2018 |title="God the Mother" Followers Aim to Proselytize Students |url=https://oberlinreview.org/15581/news/campus_news/god-the-mother-followers-aim-to-proselytize-students/ |website=The Oberlin Review}}</ref> [[Texas State University]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Chase |date=22 Oct 2019 |title=Who is God the Mother? |url=https://universitystar.com/32372/news/who-is-god-the-mother/ |website=The University Star}}</ref> among others.

The church stated that due to false rumors, the church and its members experienced [[religious discrimination]] and harm.<ref name="nj2" /> They reported that members had been threatened, faced murder threats, pepper spray attacks, and harassing phone calls. There was even an incident where someone almost ran over members with a vehicle. In response to the church's reports of these incidents, the police stationed patrol cars at the church.<ref name="wdrb">{{Cite web |date=2 Jan 2018 |title=Louisville church says it's not involved in human trafficking after accusations spread across social media |url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-church-says-its-not-involved-in-human-trafficking-after-accusations-spread-across-social-media/article_7361b3f4-9274-5bca-b360-fe879d8c6f30.html |website=wdrb.com}}</ref><ref name="pilotonline">{{Cite web |last=KIMBERLIN |first=JOANNE |date=5 Feb 2020 |title=No worries, say police: "God the Mother" evangelists are not sex traffickers |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2020/02/05/no-worries-say-police-god-the-mother-evangelists-are-not-sex-traffickers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113175158/https://www.pilotonline.com/2020/02/05/no-worries-say-police-god-the-mother-evangelists-are-not-sex-traffickers/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2023 |website=The Virginian Pilot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Day |first=Cassandra |date=4 May 2020 |title=Middletown church reacts to disproved sex trafficking ring claims |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/middletown/article/Middletown-church-reacts-to-disproved-sex-15096583.php |website=middletownpress.com}}</ref><ref name="fresnobee" /> The church issued a statement requesting an end to false rumors and unfair harassment against its members.<ref name="wdrb" /><ref name="nj2" />

==== Police verdict on incriminating activities ====
After investigating the church's evangelism activities, Oxford Police said that nothing incriminating has been reported and that sharing information door to door is allowed according to the Freedom of Religion Act.<ref name="thedmonline" /><ref name="wtva">{{cite web |last=Carlisle |first=Zac |date=30 Jan 2018 |title=OXFORD POLICE RELEASE STATEMENT ON RELIGIOUS GROUP GOING DOOR-TO-DOOR |url=http://www.wtva.com/content/news/Oxford-police-release-statement-on-religious-group-going-door-to-door--471796583.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630150038/http://www.wtva.com/content/news/Oxford-police-release-statement-on-religious-group-going-door-to-door--471796583.html |archive-date=2018-06-30 |website=wtva.com}}</ref><ref name="oxford police">{{cite web |author=Oxford Police Dept |date=31 Jan 2018 |title=Statement on a religious group going door to door. |url=https://x.com/OxfordPolice/status/958401410353303555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw |website=x.com}}</ref> Fresno Police stated they could not find any reports of criminal behavior associated with them.<ref name="fresnobee" />

== Criticism and controversy ==
Former members and cult researchers have criticized the group, describing it as a [[cult]] that exercises excessive control over its members, enforces separation from family and friends, exploits its members excessively, violates laws, and avoids transparency and accountability.<ref name="Peoplemag">{{Cite web |title=Ex-Followers Say South Korean Church Is 'Mind Control' Cult |url=https://people.com/celebrity/ex-followers-say-south-korean-church-is-mind-control-cult/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NJ.com-2016">{{Cite web |last=Ma |first=Myles |date=2016-01-17 |title=Reports: Ex-members accuse Ridgewood church of being cult |url=https://www.nj.com/bergen/2016/01/ex-members_accuse_ridgewood_church_of_being_cult_r.html |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=nj |language=en}}</ref><ref name="statepress">{{cite news |date=4 November 2019 |title=Who is God the Mother? |url=https://www.statepress.com/article/2019/10/spmagazine-who-is-god-the-mother?fbclid=IwAR1YTbwHI4utmOjcymdRsBGWL7E_fWCBQ3B5xCBq0ywbDIctnMtTakONSy4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307063535/https://www.statepress.com/article/2019/10/spmagazine-who-is-god-the-mother?fbclid=IwAR1YTbwHI4utmOjcymdRsBGWL7E_fWCBQ3B5xCBq0ywbDIctnMtTakONSy4 |archive-date=2021-03-07 |work=Arizona State Press}}</ref><ref name="NBC Investigates">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvM8JvUn9CI "NBC Investigates – World Mission Church of God member John Power,"]  4 Dec 2016, ''[[The Today Show]],'' host [[Ronan Farrow]], [[NBC News]] on [[YouTube]].</ref>

=== Lawsuit and accusations by Michele Colon ===
Michele Colon, a former member who attended WMSCOG in New Jersey for two years, claimed in her 2013 civil lawsuit against the church that the group is a profit-driven cult that uses psychological control tactics to prevent members from exposing its criminal and illegal behavior.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey Criminal Case Against World Mission Society Church of God – Non Disclosure Agreement – Piercing The Corporate Veil |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/140510919/New-Jersey-Criminal-Case-Against-World-Mission-Society-Church-of-God |website=Scribd}}</ref> In December 2015, In an interview with ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine, Colon, whose claims were generally denied by the church but generally supported in interviews with six other former WMSCOG members, described WMSCOG as a "doomsday cult" and "opportunistic". She claimed that the group recruits people undergoing life transitions or feeling a void, exploiting this vulnerability to draw them in. She said that the church manipulates members with "fear and guilt" and constant repetition, and that it "micromanaged" her life, including controlling her music choices and forbidding internet use. She claimed that church leaders do not disclose until members are fully committed that their "God the Mother" is actually a living South Korean woman in her 70s, known by multiple names and various spiritual titles, who is reportedly the spiritual wife of the deceased founder, Ahn Sahng-hong. At least one former member has sued them for urging her to have an abortion, and others have accused the church of discouraging pregnancy in anticipation of the world ending in 2012.<ref name="Peoplemag" /><ref name="NJ.com-2016" />

Colon's lawsuit was dismissed, citing [[First Amendment]] grounds.<ref name="court1">{{cite court |litigants=Colón v. World Mission Soc'y Church of God |litigants-force-plain= |vol= |reporter= |opinion=L-3007-13 |pinpoint= |court=N.J. Super. Div |date=17 Mar 2015 |quote= |postscript= }}</ref><ref>[https://www.leagle.com/decision/innjco20161129322 "COLÓN v. WORLD MISSION SOCIETY CHURCH OF GOD:  Docket No. A-5008-14T4."], Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, Argued 28 September 2016, Decided 29 November 2016, as transcribed and posted by Leagle.com, retrieved 2018-05-26.</ref>{{primary source inline|date=December 2024}}

=== Hapimo press conference ===
In 2015, a former member held a press conference to present notarized confessions and declarations from members of the group Hapimo, which accused the Church.<ref name="press1">{{cite web|title=하피모 공동대표 양심선언! '하피모는 피해자모임이 아니다.' |trans-title=One of Co-Representatives of Hapimo declared by conscience: 'Hapimo' is not a Victims' Group.|url=http://www.christianwr.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=42445/ |publisher=Christian World Review |date=11 August 2015|language=ko}}</ref><ref name="press2">{{cite web|title=하피모 공동대표, "하피모는 피해자 모임이 아니다" 양심선언 |trans-title=Co-Representative of Hapimo Declares, 'Hapimo is Not a Victim's Group|url=https://www.newshankuk.com/news/content.asp?fs=1&ss=3&news_idx=201508131110281806 |publisher=NewsHankuk |date=13 Aug 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912015440/http://www.newshankuk.com/news/content.asp?fs=1&ss=3&news_idx=201508131110281806|archive-date=12 September 2017|language=ko}}</ref> He claimed that the group members were not harmed by the Church. Instead, most members expected to gain personally by portraying the Church as a harmful cult and filing collective damage lawsuits.<ref name="press2" /> He also claimed that members were paid for solo protests in front of the Church and that protest workers were hired who were not actual victims.<ref name="press1" /> Additionally, he alleged that the group pressured members to stage fake divorces to depict the Church as a family-destroying cult.<ref name="press2" /> He also said that Kang, who seeks to overthrow the Church and become its leader, supported the group.<ref name="press1" /><ref name="press2" /> Kang's website claims that the root of David is not Ahn Sahng-hong but the two witnesses, who, according to him, were born in 1974 and baptized in 1999. This interpretation aligns with Kang's own biography.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cafe.naver.com/hanpimo1/1811 |title=계시록에 예언된 다윗의 뿌리가 하나님의교회 안상홍인가?|trans-title=Is the root of David prophesied in Revelation referring to Ahn Sahng-hong of the Church of God? |website=HANPIMO |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240429012914/https://cafe.naver.com/hanpimo1/1811 |archive-date=29 April 2024|language=ko}}</ref> After the former member's declarations, Hapimo sued him for defamation, but the court ruled that his claims about the group's activities were not proven false.<ref>{{citation|title= case no.2016노7896 | publisher=[[:ko:수원지방법원|Suwon District Court of Korea]]}}</ref>

=== Cult specialists ===
[[Rick Alan Ross]], cult specialist and [[deprogrammer]]<ref name="Pocono Record-2017">{{cite web |date=29 March 2017 |title=Cult expert: Pocono Dome church has cult markers |url= http://www.poconorecord.com/news/20170329/cult-expert-pocono-dome-church-has-cult-markers |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210516102358/https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20170329/cult-expert-pocono-dome-church-has-cult-markers |archive-date=2021-05-16 |access-date= 2018-05-22 |work=Pocono Record}}</ref><ref name="NBC Investigates" /> describes the WMSCOG as "a very intense group… similar to the [[Unification Church]] [of] [[Sun Myung Moon]]—the [[Moonies]]", comparing WMSCOG indoctrination methods to those of the Unification Church.<ref name="Pocono Record-2017" /> He states that the WMSCOG has driven members into bankruptcies due to excessive donations, and claims that some have lost their jobs to excessive demands by the group and associated sleep deprivation. Ross says that members often are sent to group housing and shared apartments, becoming isolated and alienated from family and friends, even spouses and adult children. Ross notes the group, which recruits members on university campuses, at malls and other shopping sites, has no meaningful accountability for leadership—a "dictatorship in Korea"—nor for the millions in revenue it receives.<ref name="Pocono Record-2017" />

Steven Hassan, an author and mental health counselor who specializes in cults, described the experiences of Yale students exposed to the group as matching those of what he calls "authoritarian" or "destructive" cults.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Danny |date=2024-02-26 |title=An award-winning documentary about a controversial religious group in Manchester is free to watch right now |url= https://themanc.com/news/documentary-about-wmscog-controversial-religious-group-manchester-mothers-ruin-film/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=The Manc |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== South Korea ===
The World Mission Society Church of God is one of many controversial and globalized grassroots Christian new religious movements that have emerged in South Korea and have experienced rapid growth over the past 20 years since the 2000s.<ref name="ANU">{{citation|author=Kim, David W.|author2=Bang, Won-il|title=Guwonpa, WMSCOG, and Shincheonji: Three Dynamic Grassroots Groups in Contemporary Korean Christian NRM History|url=https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/items/c335f3a0-f636-4f5f-a891-e2a124682a09|publisher=ANU Research Publications|date=2019}}</ref>{{efn|Other groups include the [[Good News Mission]](also known as Guwonpa) and the [[Shincheonji Church of Jesus|Shincheonji Church]]. These three groups each have distinct roots and doctrines and are not connected with one another.<ref name="ANU" />}}

The Korean Christian community, including the [[National Council of Churches in Korea]] and the [[Christian Council of Korea]], has "harshly criticized" the deification of Ahn Sahng-hong and Zahng Gil-jah. They have officially condemned the church as a [[Blasphemy|blasphemous]] and [[Heresy|heretical]] [[cult]], opposed by various denominations.<ref name="kncc">{{cite web |date=13 December 2012 |script-title=ko:기독교 이단 사이비 종교 명단과 종교차별 신고 |url=http://www.kncc.or.kr/sub04/sub03.php?ptype=view&code=board_04_2&idx=10852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223185456/http://www.kncc.or.kr/sub04/sub03.php?ptype=view&code=board_04_2&idx=10852 |archive-date=2014-02-23 |access-date=2013-08-18 |publisher=The National Council of Churches in Korea |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="KOR43208.E">{{cite web |author1=Research Directorate, Immigration |author2=Refugee Board, Canada |date=8 December 2004 |title=Korea: The Church of God, including the denomination of Christianity to which it adheres, its beliefs and practices; whether there is a congregation of the Church of God in Seoul known as the Church of God Mission Society located at 381-2 Suyu-dong No. 2, Gangbuk-gu (2002–2004) |url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/42df611d20.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222011642/http://www.refworld.org/docid/42df611d20.html |archive-date=2014-02-22 |access-date=2013-08-18 |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada}}</ref><ref name="southern_factor_2015_researchgate_net" /><ref name="God the Mother" />

==== Forced conversions ====
A heresy expert of the [[Christian Council of Korea]] was found guilty by the courts of attempting to forcibly convert members of the World Mission Society Church of God, thereby violating their human rights and religious freedom.<ref name="jin6">{{citation |title=한기총 이대위 진용식 목사 강제개종 행위에 집유 확정 |work=시사포커스 |date=2008-11-14 |trans-title=Christian Council of Korea's Heresy Committee Member Pastor Jin Yong-sik Receives Suspended Sentence for Forced Conversion Activities |url=https://www.sisafocus.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=36278 |publisher=sisafocus |language=ko-KR}}</ref> Pastor Jin, vice chairman of the Christian Council of Korea's Countermeasure Committee against Heresy and an editor at 'Modern Religion', confined members of the church in attics or prayer rooms and conducted forced conversion sessions. Members who did not convert were forcibly admitted to psychiatric hospitals. The victims filed lawsuits against Pastor Jin and others involved in the confinement. In 2008, the court sentenced Pastor Jin to a suspended prison term for night-time group coercion and aiding confinement, acknowledging the serious violation of personal freedom and religious freedom under the guise of conversion persuasion.<ref name="jin5">{{citation |title=사람 잡는 사이비 개종 전문가 |date=2008-12-01 |website=sisain.co.kr |trans-title=Cult Deconversion Expert Causes Harm |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=3373 |language=ko-KR}}</ref> The accomplices and psychiatrists involved were also found guilty. Shin Hye-sook, director of the Women's Cultural Center, criticized the actions, stating that using violence against people of different religions indicates a lack of basic religious qualities. Religious groups also criticized the intolerance and judgment of different denominations as reminiscent of the medieval religious dark ages.<ref name="jin6" />

==== Opposition to construction ====
In the past, the World Mission Society Church of God rented parts of the collective buildings, but after 2007, church construction increased.<ref name="bd1">{{citation|title=하나님의교회 단독건물 마련, 10여 년간 150곳 육박|trans-title=World Mission Society Church of God Secures Nearly 150 Church Buildings Over the Past 10 Years|url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/news/view.html?section=22&category=1009&item=&no=16245|website=hdjongkyo.co.kr|date=2018-12-03|language=ko-KR}}</ref> As the number of buildings of the Church increased, Korean Christian organizations held protests and filed complaints to interfere with the church's construction. They stated, "The reason we must oppose the construction of this church on its own land with its own money is that this church is a cult."<ref name="bd2">{{citation|title=하나님의교회 건축허가 용납 못해|trans-title=Unacceptability of Construction Permits for the World Mission Society Church of God|url=https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0018504021|website=kmib.co.kr|date=2023-07-26|language=ko-KR}}</ref> Most local governments approved the church's construction, and approximately 150 church buildings were constructed over the 10 years following 2007.<ref name="bd1" /> However, a few local governments, including Yeosu City and Ulsan City, rejected the construction approvals, citing complaints and traffic congestion. The World Mission Society Church of God filed administrative lawsuits. The Korean courts ruled that "the collective petitions from religious organizations and nearby residents are merely personal and subjective evaluations of this church and cannot be seen as objective evidence that this religion causes harm.<ref name="bd7">{{citation|title=울산지방법원 2020구합6901|trans-title=Ulsan District Court 2020GuHap6901|url=https://casenote.kr/%EC%9A%B8%EC%82%B0%EC%A7%80%EB%B0%A9%EB%B2%95%EC%9B%90/2020%EA%B5%AC%ED%95%A96901|publisher=Ulsan District Court, South Korea|date=2021-06-24|language=ko-KR}}</ref> It is difficult to view this church as an anti-social religious group or to see its activities as anti-social. The church meets the legal parking requirements and there are no legal violations.<ref name="bd8">{{citation|title=광주고등법원 2020누11670|trans-title=Gwangju High Court 2020Nu11670|url=https://casenote.kr/%EA%B4%91%EC%A3%BC%EA%B3%A0%EB%93%B1%EB%B2%95%EC%9B%90/2020%EB%88%8411670|publisher=Gwangju High Court, South Korea|date=2020-12-11|language=ko-KR}}</ref>" Consequently, the courts declared the local governments' refusals to approve the church's construction to be illegal.<ref name="bd3">{{citation|title=집단 민원에 종교시설 건축 불허한 울산 북구, 행정소송서 패소|work=연합뉴스 |trans-title=Ulsan Buk-gu Loses Administrative Lawsuit After Denying Religious Facility Construction Due to Collective Complaints|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210713125800057|publisher=YonHapNews|date=2023-07-26|language=ko-KR |author1=김용태 }}</ref><ref name="bd5">{{citation|title=하나님의 교회 전주 새 성전에서도 "지역사회와 조화"|trans-title="Harmony with the Community" at the New World Mission Society Church of God Temple in Jeonju|url=http://www.jtnews.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=31448|publisher=JeonBukToday|date=2021-07-20|language=ko-KR}}</ref>

==== Wonju city government ====
In 2016, the [[Wonju]] city government denied construction approval for the Church of God in Wonju City, citing complaints and concerns regarding traffic congestion.<ref name="bd15">{{Cite web|title=[현장취재] 교리 다르다고 교회 건축 불허?|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=262&aid=0000009504&sid1=001|access-date=2020-05-21|work=[[Naver News]]|language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=송|first=주열|date=2016-05-08|title=원주시, 하나님의교회 종교시설 용도변경 불허.."주민들 여론 수렴"|url=http://cbs.kr/mDFuQy|access-date=2020-05-21|work=cbs.kr}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, there was controversy over the unfairness of the Wonju city government's refusal. The building applied for had about twice the number of legally required parking spaces, but the Wonju city government demanded parking spaces for 1,000 cars, assuming 1,000 church members. This calculation included children as drivers. Major South Korean media outlets reported suspicions of religious bias by the mayor of Wonju City regarding the rejection.<ref name="bd9">{{citation|title=종교자유 침해하는 원주시, 원주시장, 손바닥 뒤집듯 행정절차 바꿨다|trans-title=Wonju City Violates Religious Freedom, The Mayor of Wonju Changed Administrative Procedures Like Flipping the Palm of His Hand|url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20161219144726064|publisher=AjuEconomyNews|date=2016-12-20|language=ko-KR}}</ref><ref name="bd10">{{citation|title=원주시의 수상한 건축허가 반려 교통핑계로 종교의 자유 침해?|trans-title=Wonju City's Suspicious Rejection of Construction Permit, Using Traffic as an Excuse to Violate Religious Freedom?|url=https://weekly.donga.com/society/article/all/11/799059/1|publisher=WeeklyDonga|date=2016-12-09|language=ko-KR}}</ref><ref name="bd15" /> Church members protested against the Wonju city government's administrative action by phone. There were more than 30,000 complaint calls made between 30 May and 1 June 2016. These complaints disrupted the city hall's complaint processing work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=건축 불허 불만? 하나님의교회 신도들 원주시청에 항의 전화 3만여 통|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=079&aid=0002836168&sid1=001|access-date=2020-05-21|work=[[Naver News]]|language=ko}}</ref> The church filed an administrative appeal against the Wonju city government's action, but the Administrative Appeals Commission dismissed it.<ref name="bd16">{{Cite web|title=강원행정심판위, 하나님의교회 건축허가 청구 기각|date=7 November 2017 |url=https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4873383}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-15|title="원주 하나님의교회 건축허가 반려 정당"|url=http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0923643113|access-date=2020-05-21|work=[[Kukmin Ilbo]]|language=ko}}</ref> The World Mission Society Church of God considered filing an administrative lawsuit against the Wonju city government.<ref name="bd16" />

Subsequently, in administrative lawsuits between the World Mission Society Church of God and other local governments, such as Yeosu City Hall and Ulsan City Hall, which had rejected construction approvals, the courts ruled that the local governments' refusals to approve the church's construction were illegal<ref name="bd5" /> Although there was no administrative lawsuit against the Wonju city government, it changed its stance and in 2019 approved the use of the building for church purposes.<ref name="bd11">{{citation|title=하나님의 교회 옛 LH 사옥 교회시설로 사용|trans-title=Former LH Office Building Used as a Church Facility by the World Mission Society Church of God|url=https://www.iwjnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32496|website=iwjnews.com|date=2019-07-21|language=ko-KR}}</ref> They approved the previously rejected church construction, and the church held a dedication ceremony for the newly constructed church in 2023.<ref name="bd19">{{citation|title=강원 원주, 홍전서 하나님의교회 새성전 헌당식|trans-title=New Temple Dedication Ceremony for World Mission Society Church of God in Hongjeon, Wonju, Gangwon Province|url=https://shindonga.donga.com/society/article/all/13/4392064/1 |publisher=ShindongA |date=2023-08-30|language=ko-KR}}</ref> When the World Mission Society Church of God applied to build an additional church in Taejang-dong, Wonju City, there were complaints filed again. However, the Wonju city government approved the construction application, stating there were no legal issues.<ref name="bd4">{{citation|title=태장1동에 하나님의교회 건축허가|work=원주투데이 |trans-title=Construction Permit Granted for World Mission Society Church of God in Taejang 1-dong|url=http://www.wonjutoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=121424|publisher=WonJuToday|date=2021-08-09|language=ko-KR |last1=기자 |first1=김민호 }}</ref>

=== Vietnamese religious associations ===
In 2018, the Vietnamese Committee for Religious Affairs warned against the World Mission Society Church of God, describing it as cult-like. The government accused the group of deceptive recruitment, manipulative indoctrination, doomsday predictions, urging cash donations, and encouraging members to abandon their families.<ref name="vietnamnews_vn">{{cite web |date=26 April 2018 |title=Government urges caution against controversial 'World Mission Society Church of God' |url=http://vietnamnews.vn/society/426975/government-urges-caution-against-controversial-world-mission-society-church-of-god.html |publisher=Vietnam News}}</ref> Authorities seized the Church's assets in Hanoi, Saigon, and other provinces, interrogated hundreds of members, and accused Church leaders of brainwashing and micromanaging members' lives.<ref name="asianews">{{Cite web |date=2018-05-09 |title=Authorities seize cult assets and detain cult members |url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Authorities-seize-cult-assets-and-detain-cult-members-43834.html |access-date=2020-04-05 |website=www.asianews.it}}</ref>

''Asia News'' reported that many consider these allegations to be false, used by Vietnamese security forces to discredit certain groups. Fr. Le Ngoc Thanh, a Redemptorist priest in Saigon, said he was afraid that the propaganda campaign against the World Mission Society Church of God was designed to create tensions between religious and non-religious people.<ref name="asianews" /> Vietnam's independent media outlet, [[Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam|IJAVN]] reported that "the Ministry of Home Affairs recently requested local authorities to disband and revoke licenses for religious groups associated with the 'Church of God' and 'Heavenly Mother' focus, preventing these organizations from regrouping and forming new centers of activity. This is difficult to understand because, even without any discovered violations of the law, licenses are still being revoked".<ref name="IJAVN">{{cite web |date=2023-09-20 |title=Nhân quyền Việt Nam bao giờ tường minh tin tức? |trans-title=When will Vietnam's human rights news be transparent? |url=https://vietnamthoibao.org/vntb-nhan-quyen-viet-nam-bao-gio-tuong-minh-tin-tuc/ |publisher=Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam |language=vi}}</ref>

=== Change in Ahn Sahng-hong's book ===
''The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life'' (1980) has 38 chapters in total. The WMSCOG removed three chapters from "The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life", namely Chapter 1: Restoration of Jerusalem and the Prophecy of 40 Years, Chapter 11: Let Us Reveal the Truth from the History Books About the Church, and Chapter 36: Elijah Will Be Sent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-09|title=The WMSCOG Removed 3 Chapters From Ahn Sahng Hong's Book|url=https://www.examiningthewmscog.com/the-wmscog-removed-3-chapters-from-ahn-sahng-hongs-book/|access-date=2020-05-01|work=Examining the World Mission Society Church of God|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="ncpcog3">{{Cite web|title=對安相洪真理小冊子的破壞（上帝的秘密和生命之源）|url=http://www.ncpcog.co.kr/?r=home&m=bbs&bid=0603&p=8&uid=1075|access-date=2020-05-14|work=www.ncpcog.co.kr|language=ko}}</ref>

The ''"New Covenant Passover Church of God" (NCPCOG)'', which is the group that has split with the WMSCOG,<ref name="wrsp">{{cite web|url=https://wrldrels.org/2017/10/13/world-mission-society-church-of-god/|url-access=|title=World Mission Society Church of God|last1=Introvigne|first1=Massimo|author-link=Massimo Introvigne|last2=Folk|first2=Holly|date=2017-10-13|website=wrldrels.org|series=|publisher=World Religions and Spirituality Project|at=Quote at one fifth of page|language=en|type=Profile of a religious group|access-date=2022-02-25|archive-date=2022-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128014129/https://wrldrels.org/2017/10/13/world-mission-society-church-of-god/|quote=His followers divided between a majority that recognized Zahng Gil-jah as God the Mother, [...] and a minority that followed Ahn's widow and three children. [...] The minority group later came to be known as New Covenant Passover Church of God (NCPCOG).}}</ref> claimed that the WMSCOG had changed the first edition dates of "The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life",<ref name="ncpcog3" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=中國安證會的謊言|url=http://www.ncpcog.co.kr/home/b/0603/1372|access-date=2020-05-19|work=www.ncpcog.co.kr|language=ko}}</ref> The NCPCOG also refuted the claim by the WMSCOG that Ahn Sahng-hong had the book "The Law of Moses and the Law of Christ",<ref>{{Cite web|title=모세의 율법과 그리스도의 율법 – 하나님의교회 말씀과진리|url=http://bible.watv.org/books/books4.html|access-date=2020-05-14|work=bible.watv.org}}</ref> and said that Ahn Sahng-hong has never published this book, but it seems to have been compiled with reference to Ahn Sahng-hong's book "The New Testament and the Old Testament".<ref>{{Cite web|title=對安相洪真理小冊子的破壞（摩西律法與基督律法）|url=http://www.ncpcog.co.kr/home/b/0603/1078|access-date=2020-05-14|work=www.ncpcog.co.kr|language=ko}}</ref>

== Membership and size ==
Baptism is a requirement for becoming a member of the church.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Seong-dong|title=175개국 세계인이 믿는 하나님의교회 세계복음선교협회 |trans-title=World Mission Society Church of God, Believed by People in 175 Countries|language=ko|url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=202210100054|access-date=1 September 2024|newspaper=Monthly Chosun|date=Oct 2022}}</ref> In 2024, according to major media outlets in South Korea, the church announced that it has 3.7 million members in 175 countries worldwide.<ref name="j-2024-05-21">{{cite news|last=Yu|first=Gil-yong|title=(특별 인터뷰) 하나님의교회 세계복음선교협회 총회장 김주철 목사 |trans-title=(Special Interview) Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, President of the World Mission Society Church of God|language=ko|url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/339733|access-date=1 September 2024|newspaper=Monthly JoongAng|date=2024-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jeong|first=Hye-yeon|title=설립 60주년 맞은 하나님의교회 세계복음선교협회|trans-title=World Mission Society Church of God Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary|language=ko|url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=&nNewsNumb=202402100024|access-date=1 September 2024|newspaper=Monthly Chosun|date=Feb 2024}}</ref> Regarding worship attendance, in 2001, when the church had about 400,000 members, it reported that approximately 120,000 of them participated in worship services.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kim |first1=Hee-kyung |date=Jan 2001 |title=전세계적인 종교개혁 운동의 깃발을 든다 |trans-title=Raising the banner of a global religious reform movement|publisher=News Forum|pages=108}}</ref>{{efn|Many Christian denominations also require baptism as a condition for membership,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/is-baptism-required-church-membership/ |title=Is Baptism Required for Church Membership? |trans-title= |access-date=1 September 2024 |date=17 September 2015 |publisher=The Gospel Coalition}}</ref> In America, statistics suggest that approximately 20-40% of church members attend worship services monthly.<ref>{{cite news|last=Blanco|first=Adrián|author2=Lenny Bronner|author3=Andrew Van Dam|title=The most religious, and religiously diverse, places in America|trans-title= |language=en|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/06/28/religious-census-map-diversity-catholics/|access-date=1 September 2024|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://research.lifeway.com/2024/03/28/fewer-americans-regularly-attend-church/ |title=Fewer Americans Regularly Attend Church |trans-title= |access-date=1 September 2024 |date=28 March 2024 |publisher=Lifeway Research}}</ref>}} In South Korea, opposing Christian denominations estimated the number of believers in the church to be around 100,000 in 2013<ref name="amen12676-1948-88a2" /> and between 200,000 and 300,000 in 2017.<ref name="Christian Newspaper">{{cite news|last=Shin|first=Sang-jun|title=이단 하나님의 교회 부울경 지역 현황 |trans-title=Status of the Heretical Church of God in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Region|language=ko|url=https://kcnp.com/news/view.php?no=2250|access-date=1 September 2024|newspaper=The Korea Christian Newspaper|date=3 February 2017}}</ref> They identify this church as the largest organization among the Christian new religious movements in Korea.<ref name="Christian Newspaper" />

== Awards ==
UK ZION, a World Mission Society Church of God chapter, was awarded [[The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service]] in 2016.<ref>Cunningham, Cara,{{cite news |date=8 July 2016 |title=Old Trafford's World Mission Society Church of God bestowed with prestigious Queen's voluntary award |url=https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/14608054.Old_Trafford_s_World_Mission_Society_Church_of_God_bestowed_with_prestigious_Queen_s_voluntary_award/ |access-date=2018-11-16 |work=Messenger Newspapers}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Skinner |first=Nigel |date=14 July 2016 |title=Queen's award for church group |url=https://glossopchronicle.com/2016/07/queens-award-for-church-group/ |access-date=2018-11-16 |work=[[Tameside Reporter|Glossop Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette
| issue = 61599
| date = 1 June 2016
| page = J4
| supp = y
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2016 |title=Queen's Award for Voluntary Service recipients 2016 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/queens-award-for-voluntary-service-recipients-2016 |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref>

== References ==
=== Notes ===
{{notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://watv.org/ World Mission Society Church of God] Official website (English)
* [http://watv.org/ko World Mission Society Church of God] Official website (Korean)
*[http://watvmedia.org/en WATV Media Cast]  Media website (English)
* [https://wmscog.com/ World Mission Society Church of God in the U.S.] US-based website (English)
* [https://sgwmscog.com/ World Mission Society Church of God in Singapore] Singapore based website (English)
* [https://phwmscog.com/ World Mission Society Church of God in Philippines] Philippines based website (English)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvM8JvUn9CI "NBC Investigates – World Mission Church of God..."], 4 December 2016, ''[[The Today Show]]'', host [[Ronan Farrow]] – [[NBC News]] on [[YouTube]]

{{Korean Churches}}
{{Sabbath-Keeping Churches}}
{{New Religious Movements}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:World Mission Society Church Of God}}
[[Category:1985 establishments in South Korea]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1985]]
[[Category:Christian denominations established in the 20th century]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Religious organizations based in South Korea]]
[[Category:Nontrinitarian denominations]]
[[Category:Restorationism (Christianity)]]
[[Category:Seventh-day denominations]]
[[Category:New religious movements established in the 1960s]]