What issues did IEC investigate?
Whether David Jang, Gospel Herald (GH) and Young Disciples of Jesus (YD) had promoted cultic teachings and acted in improper manners.
What triggered the formation of IEC?
The widespread concerns about the above individual and organizations in November 2007 in Hong Kong that they promoted cultic teachings and act in improper manners.
How was IEC formed?
With the consent of GH in Hong Kong, some former advisors of GH invited a lawyer, Mr. Daniel Or to form an Independent Enquiry Committee to investigate the issues in a fair and open manner.
Who are the members of IEC?
Seminary presidents, pastors, former judge and Christian professionals
What investigations did IEC carry out?
- Interviewed and collected information from individuals/organizations who had raised concerns
- Interviewed and collected information from GH, YD and Olivet University (OU)
- Interviewed ex-YD and campus ministry workers in Mainland China
- Follow up previous investigations that were conducted in other countries
Can you give a brief chronology of IEC’s works?
- Establishment: December 2007
- Meeting: Jan to Mar 2008
- Report of Findings: April and May 2008
- Follow-up: Jun 2008 to now
What evidence did IEC base its findings upon?
Evidence that could be verified, e.g. first hand testimonies from witnesses, documents with sources identified
What were the major findings of IEC?
- IEC was unable to exclude the following strong probabilities
- YD promoted doctrines similar to that of Unification Church, including (1) the first coming of Jesus to the Earth was a failure and (2) their pastor is the “Second Coming Lord” or “Second Coming Christ"
- o YD developed rapidly in Mainland China and established bases in various major universities, and promoted the above doctrines in an organized manner. In addition, it has adopted an authoritative management style.
- YD and Olivet University were founded by David J. Jang, and shared with GH his vision, and to a certain extent, common strategies, manpower, material resources and other resources.
- Ethical Issues
- GH needs improvements in its manner of fund raising
What are the matters to follow up?
- Further investigation
- Communicating with both Chinese and non-Chinese churches and organizations worldwide
- Helping ex-YD members to restore evangelical faith