World Mission Society Church of God

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World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is a Christian new religious movement that started in South Korea in 1964. It was founded by Ahn Sahng-hong and later became known for its leadership split in the 1980s. The group has grown to claim millions of members in many countries, with its main church and headquarters located near Seoul, South Korea, and a notable temple in Pangyo (a suburb of Seoul). It operates worldwide through a network of temples and online presence.

What they believe
- The Second Coming of Christ: The church teaches that Ahn Sahng-hong is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They believe that the true laws and commandments of the Bible were altered after the apostles, and that Christ must come again to restore them.
- God the Mother: They also teach that Zahng Gil-jah is God incarnate in the form of “God the Mother.” They describe God as having two images—God the Father and God the Mother—and base this on their interpretation of certain Bible passages and Hebrew wordings.
- God’s oneness: They teach that God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God, and they pray in the name of the Second Coming Christ (Ahn Sahng-hong) rather than the name of Jesus.
- The New Covenant practices: They believe Ahn Sahng-hong restored the truth of Passover, Sabbath, and other biblical feasts and the Ten Commandments.
- Worship and rituals: They emphasize baptism for membership, observe Saturday as the Sabbath (from sunrise on Saturday), and celebrate Passover as a central ceremony they see as essential for forgiveness and eternal life. They also practice prayers in the name of the Second Coming Christ.
- Other practices: They oppose what they call idolatry (no crosses or statues in their churches), and they hold that there are two images of God (Father and Mother). They also teach about modesty in worship and other biblical interpretations, including views on Christmas and veils for women in worship.

History and growth
- Founding and development: Ahn Sahng-hong founded the Church of God in 1964 in South Korea. After his death in 1985, a leadership assembly led to a split: one faction formed the NCPCOG (New Covenant Passover Church of God), while the remaining majority group eventually adopted the name World Mission Society Church of God.
- Headquarters and expansion: The main church HQ is in the Seoul area, with the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple cited as a major church. The organization registered and manages assets through a separate non-profit structure established around 1997.
- Global presence: WMSCOG reports millions of members across hundreds of communities in dozens of countries. In 2024, media reported about 3.7 million members in about 175 countries. Attendance figures have varied over time.

Activities and projects
- Evangelism and recruitment: Members engage in door-to-door outreach and campus recruitment, and they are known for evangelism on streets, malls, and universities. The church has faced complaints and concerns from communities and other religious groups.
- ASEZ: The church runs a university volunteer division called ASEZ (Save the World from A to Z), which recruits on campuses and promotes volunteering, though some observers question how independent it is from the church.
- Charitable work: The church has carried out charitable activities, and a UK chapter received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.

Controversies and criticism
- Cult accusations: The church and its beliefs have been described by former members and some researchers as a cult by various scholars and church groups. Critics allege excessive control over members, family separation, and lack of transparency.
- Doomsday predictions: The church has faced accusations that its leaders predicted doomsday dates (notably 1988, 1999, and 2012). Some cases resulted in legal action, though many prosecutions or investigations did not lead to charges or were dismissed.
- Legal challenges and cases: There have been multiple legal disputes over doctrinal ownership, conversion practices, and church property. In some jurisdictions, courts ruled against local governments that denied church construction permits, while in other cases authorities investigated the church for alleged coercive activities.
- Individual cases and investigations: Some former members have claimed manipulation and coercive recruitment, while others associated with the church have asserted innocence or that allegations were exaggerated or unfounded. Several criminal cases related to conversion attempts were resolved with mixed outcomes; in some cases, prosecutors declined to press charges or cases were dismissed on First Amendment grounds.
- Allegations of trafficking rumors: From 2018 onward, rumors linking the church’s evangelism about God the Mother to human trafficking circulated on social media. Police investigations in several places found no evidence of trafficking, though rumors persisted in some communities.
- International responses: Some governments in Southeast Asia and elsewhere described or acted against the church, with varying conclusions about the allegations. Critics say political or cultural factors can influence how the church is treated in different regions.

Size and reputation
- Membership claims: The church reports large global membership, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million worldwide over the years. Independent estimates vary, and numbers are difficult to verify.
- Public representation: The church maintains official websites and media networks (WATV and related channels) to share its teachings and outreach, including material in multiple languages.

Awards and notable mentions
- The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (UK) was awarded to a UK chapter of WMSCOG in 2016, highlighting recognized charitable activity.

Bottom line
World Mission Society Church of God is a global Christian movement that teaches Ahn Sahng-hong as the Second Coming of Christ and Zahng Gil-jah as God the Mother, alongside a restorationist view of biblical law including Passover and the Sabbath. It has grown rapidly, but it has also faced substantial criticism, controversy, and legal scrutiny in various countries. Supporters emphasize its charitable work and community outreach, while critics point to concerns about control, doctrinal claims, and recruitment practices.