Half of South Korea's coronavirus cases are linked to a controversial religious organization [View all]
One Covid-19 patient attended Shincheonji Church of Jesus services while she nursed a fever.
By Catherine
[email protected] Feb 22, 2020, 2:24pm EST
Theres been a rapid spike in coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, cases in South Korea, and about half of the 433 confirmed cases are linked to a secretive religious group often viewed with suspicion by more traditional religious sects.
At least 182 Covid-19 cases have come from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the city of Daegu, which is the fourth-largest in the country. The group itself is often considered a cult in South Korea by mainstream churches: it was founded in 1984 by Lee Man-hee, who claims he is the second coming of Jesus.
Lee teaches he is the only person who can interpret the Bible and promises to take 144,000 people to heaven with him on the Day of Judgement. Despite its unorthodox background, the church boasts at least 150,000 members.
There is growing concern the current number of confirmed cases in South Korea already nearly eight times what it was early last week will rise. Currently, 6,037 people being tested, and more than 1,250 church members have reported potential Covid-19 symptoms.
More:
https://www.vox.com/2020/2/22/21148477/coronavirus-south-korea-shincheonji-church-jesus