Several young people have described being approached in central Bucharest by strangers who gradually introduced religious discussions before requesting contact details and inviting them to Bible studies, private gatherings, or baptism ceremonies.
A wave of alarming testimonies has placed a controversial South Korean religious movement known as “God the Mother” under scrutiny in Bucharest.
Young people claim they have been stopped in busy public areas by individuals who initially presented themselves as theology students, foreign students seeking help or people conducting questionnaires for academic projects. According to the accounts, apparently harmless conversations then shifted towards the Bible, salvation and the existence of both “God the Father” and “God the Mother.”
Recent encounters have been reported around Piața Romană, Piața Victoriei and other central areas of the capital. One person who described an encounter at Piața Romană said the missionaries first introduced themselves as students from South Korea before presenting religious material, discussing baptism and attempting to obtain a telephone number for a future invitation to their meeting place.
Other testimonies circulating online describe young people being invited to meetings held at unusual hours or encouraged to attend religious ceremonies shortly after their first contact with the group. Local media have also reported claims that teenagers were approached in the Piața Victoriei area and invited to gatherings scheduled late at night.
Who Is Behind “God the Mother”?
The movement is connected to the World Mission Society Church of God, a religious organisation established in South Korea in 1964 by Ahnsahnghong.
The church teaches that Ahnsahnghong was the Second Coming of Christ and that God exists in two forms: God the Father and God the Mother. Followers associate the female divine figure with South Korean religious leader Zahng Gil-jah.
On its official website, the organisation states that it believes in both God the Father and God the Mother and claims to have more than four million members across almost 7,800 churches in 175 countries.
The movement presents itself as a global Christian community involved in missionary work, charitable activities and volunteering. Critics and former members, however, have repeatedly described it as a cult and accused it of using psychological pressure, controlling members’ lives and gradually isolating followers from relatives and friends.
The organisation has rejected these allegations. In a statement previously provided to international media, it described the cult label as a form of religious intolerance and denied accusations that it controlled members or deliberately targeted vulnerable people.
Recruitment Reportedly Begins With an Innocent Conversation
The testimonies emerging in Bucharest follow a recurring pattern.
The person approaching a potential recruit may begin by asking a simple question, requesting help with Romanian or English, presenting a questionnaire or discussing a university project. Religious beliefs are introduced later, sometimes through printed materials explaining the concept of two divine figures.
Those who continue the discussion may then be asked whether they have been baptised, invited to watch religious videos or encouraged to attend further Bible studies.
Some young people said they were not initially told the name of the organisation or that the discussion was part of a recruitment effort. Contact details were reportedly requested only after a longer conversation had established a degree of trust.
Reports of similar methods are not limited to Romania. Students at universities in other countries have described being approached about “God the Mother” and invited to Bible studies, while former members have alleged that the organisation reveals its more controversial beliefs only gradually.
Romanian Authorities Reportedly Examining the Situation. Nothing’s Going to Happen, as Usual
The World Mission Society Church of God is not among the religious denominations officially recognised by the Romanian state.
According to Romanian media reports, the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs has been informed about the recent allegations and is expected to examine the practices being described. Representatives connected to the organisation in Bucharest have reportedly maintained that their activities are legal and voluntary.
No publicly confirmed criminal investigation has established that the organisation or those approaching people in Bucharest have committed an offence. Many of the current claims remain based on personal accounts published on social media and statements given to Romanian media.
The number and similarity of the reports have nevertheless triggered widespread concern, particularly among parents and young people who regularly travel alone through busy areas of the capital.
People approached by strangers are advised not to disclose personal information, accept invitations to unfamiliar private locations or continue conversations that become persistent or uncomfortable. Any threatening behaviour, harassment or attempt to prevent someone from leaving should be reported immediately to the police.
