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Zahng Gil-jah (Korean: 장길자; also romanized as Chang Gil-jah) is the religious leader, as God the Mother, of the World Mission Society Church of God,[1][2][3] and the honorary chairperson of the International WeLoveU Foundation, a social welfare organization.[4][5][6]
Zahng Gil-jah | |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 October 1943 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Occupation | Chairperson |
| Years active | since 1984 |
| Known for | "God the Mother" in the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) |
| Spouse | Kim Jae-Hoon (1966–1987) |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 장길자 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Jang Gilja |
| McCune–Reischauer | Chang Kilcha |
| IPA | [tɕaŋɡiɭtɕ͈a] |
| Website | Zahng Gil-jah |
Religious activity
editThe World Mission Society Church of God, a Korean new religious movement, teaches that Zahng and Ahn Sahng-Hong (1918–1985), a South Korean Christian minister regarded by his followers as Christ, are to be jointly regarded as God. Church members may call her "God the Mother", "Mother Jerusalem", "New Jerusalem Mother", "Heavenly Mother", or simply "Mother".[7] Her followers believe she has fulfilled all prophecies of the Bible.[1]
In 1985, following the sudden death of Ahn Sahng-Hong, 11 out of the 13 churches of the Church of God agreed to recognize both Ahn and Zahng as God. The two congregations that refused became the New Covenant Passover Church of God.[8] Despite her status in her church, Zahng's media outlets—such as her YouTube page—tend not to reference the claim in their content.[9] Instead, they focus on her activities as chairwoman of her foundation.
The Korean Christian community has generally agreed that the teachings of Ahn and Zahng go against Christian beliefs.[10] Members of the Witnesses of Ahn Sahng-Hong have been known to visit college campuses in the U.S., often without permission, and approach students with their teachings about Zahng being "God the Mother".[11] The Ahn Sahng-Hong movement is sometimes thought of as a religious cult.[12]
Social activities
editIn addition to her status in the World Mission Society Church of God, Zahng is the chairperson of the International WeLoveU Foundation, which changed its name from New Life Welfare Foundation in 2007.[13][14][15]
In spite of her involvement with the Ahn Sahng-Hong movement, Zahng has met with high-ranking political leaders, including Gabonese president Ali Bongo and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.[16][17]
See also
editReferences
edit
- ^ a b "어머니 하나님 장길자" [God the Mother]. Hyundae Religion (in Korean). 20 October 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "WATV - Introduction". Retrieved 22 March 2013. (English).
- ^ Lee Ingyu (26 May 2013). "하나님의 교회를 주의하라" [Beware of the Church of God]. Dangdangnews.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
- ^ Han Myung-duk (7 May 2019), "Charity group celebrates int'l family day", The Korea Times
- ^ Kim Myung-hui (October 2023). "장길자 국제위러브유운동본부 회장 인터뷰" [Interview with Zahng Gil-Jah, Chairperson of the International We Love U Foundation]. woman donga (in Korean). The Dong-A Ilbo.
- ^ "Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah". intlwelou.org.
- ^ Zahng, Gil-jah. "About Chairwoman". Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ International Korean Christian Coalition against Heresy (18 May 2012). 과연 안상홍의 부인은 누구인가? [Who is the wife of ansanghong really?] (in Korean). Archived from the original on 17 September 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Zahng, Gil-jah. "장길자, Zahng Gil-jah". YouTube. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ 기독교 이단 사이비 종교 명단과 종교차별 신고 (in Korean). The National Council of Churches in Korea. 13 December 2012. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
- ^ Wang, Andrea (23 February 2018). ""God the Mother" Followers Aim to Proselytize Students". The Oberlin Review. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Harris, Chris (10 December 2015). "Ex-Followers Say South Korean Church Is 'Mind Control' Cult". Peoplemag. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ "We love U - Intro". Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "We love U - Red Cross". Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2013. (English)
- ^ "History". International WeLoveU Foundation. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
- ^ "Gabon president agrees green action with Korean groups". The Korea Herald. 28 March 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal congratulates Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah". YouTube. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2024.