News – rnzngin Fifth Estate

April 30, 2025

New Zealand: New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members

Source: NewzEngine.com

After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.

The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.

Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”

Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).

MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.

And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.

About PodTalk.Live:

PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.

PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.

“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.

“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.

“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.

“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.

PodTalk.live provides:

user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.

In addition, PodTalk.live will host:

Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.

Security Safety Moderation:

Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.

“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.

“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”

“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.

And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.

To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.

“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.

The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.

PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

April 28, 2025

New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members

Source: NewzEngine.com

After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.

The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.

Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”

Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).

MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.

And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.

About PodTalk.Live:

PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.

“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.

PodTalk.live provides:

user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.

In addition, PodTalk.live will host:

Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.

Security Safety Moderation:

Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.

“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn manning said.

“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.

And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.

“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.

The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.

PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

April 25, 2025

TEST: New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members

Source: NewzEngine.com

Immediate Release

Source: PodTalk.Live

After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people to register as foundation members. It is free to join the post and podcast social platform.

The free Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.

PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand. It is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.

Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”

Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).

MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.

And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.

About PodTalk.Live:

“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.

PodTalk.live provides:

user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.

In addition, PodTalk.live will host:

Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.

Security Safety Moderation:

Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.

“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn manning said.

“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.

And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.

“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.

The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

April 22, 2025

Test of the NewzEngine Frontend Publishing Tool

Source: NewzEngine.com

Source: Multimedia Investments Ltd

This is a test of the NewzEngine frontend publishing platform.

—

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Selwyn Manning

Contact Title: Managing Director

Contact Phone Number: 021611958

Contact Email: selwynmanning@gmail.com

Contact Website: Milnz

Social Media Addresses:

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

December 3, 2024

A Global Joint Statement Condemns Cancellation of International Religious Event in South Korea – NewzEngine.com

Source: NewzEngine.com

Gyeonggi Provincial Government’s Sudden Cancellation Raises Concerns of Bias and Violation of Rights

An administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom.

On November 27, religious leaders and opinion leaders delivered a joint protest statement to the Government of the Republic of Korea condemning the cancellation of the venue rental on October 29th as an act of biased religious oppression through public power.

Signed by 402 organizations, 758 religious representatives, and 977 individuals across the globe, totalling 1,735 signatories, the statement emphasized the psychological and financial damage caused to the international participants and highlighted the need for accountability.

On October 30 the “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 78 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO), a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental at 11am on the morning of the event, when preparations were already underway.

This decision, made without prior notice, has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event and its organizers. As the first clause of Article 20 of the South Korean Constitution states: “All citizens shall enjoy freedom of religion”, they argue that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law and an act that divides the people and divides the country into two.

The Joint Protest Statement demands accountability for this situation and calls for an official apology from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization to both domestic and international religious organizations and the global community.

It also requires the government to take appropriate disciplinary actions against the officials responsible for handling this matter and to strengthen fair and transparent venue reservation procedures and preliminary consultation systems.

Over 88 global leaders including international law experts, religious leaders, education experts, heads of organizations, journalists from around the world sent official documents and protest letters to the Republic of Korea upon hearing the news of the cancellation of the event, expressing shock and disappointment at this administrative action and demanding prompt and appropriate measures.

In particular, international law experts from around the world, including those with experience as prime ministers, vice ministers of justice, chief justices of the Supreme Court, presidents of the Constitutional Court, lawyers, and professors of international law, pointed out that the cancellation of the event on this day was an act that violated the Constitution, and religious leaders expressed concern that it was a biased decision and an anti-peaceful act that infringed on religious freedom.

Since November 15, religious leaders and members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have held rallies outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, condemning the biased cancellation urging the government to address the issue and take measures to prevent recurrence.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Cancellation
● July 22: Notification of approval for the rental from 29th to 31st October by GTO.
● October 2: Full payment of the rental fee.
● October 16: A working-level meeting held to discuss the event’s size, arrangements,
safety plans, and special effects. The GTO reviewed all details and completed a
safety inspection. While Paju City was designated a danger zone due to potential
North Korean provocations, officials assured organizers that this designation would
not impact the event.
● October 23 & 28: Officials confirmed twice that ‘there are no plans to cancel the
rental’.
● October 28: A rally was hosted by ‘SUGICHONG’, a Christian council of capital area
of Korea urging the cancellation of a venue rental.
● October 29: At 11 o’clock on the day of the rental while the event was being set up,
the Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon unilaterally notified the
cancellation, citing security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and
activities by a North Korean defector group. Organizers allege that pressure from
opposing groups, including vested religious interests, influenced the decision.
● October 19-20, November 4: Notably, other events in the same area proceeded
without disruption.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

November 5, 2024

Faith and Religion – Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy amongst multiple Religious Groups within South Korea

Source: NewzEngine.com

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.

On October 29th, an administrative decision by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and 110,000 Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event, hosted by the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under the Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus states: “This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the event, as well as all organizers and parties involved.”

Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation commits an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also report that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group – other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, and that the cancellation was an “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the [South Korean] Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions, and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were still permitted within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus have expressed frustrations and call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and to rectify this decision. They also urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

November 1, 2024

Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ position on the cancellation of the Imjingak Peace Nuri Hall – NewzEngine.com

Source: NewzEngine.com

Shincheonji Church of Jesus are in the face of legal pressure, following the sudden cancellation and banning of the use of their venue of choice for their annual graduation ceremony for their theology school, Zion Christian Mission Centre.

Shincheonji allege that Gyeonggi Tourism Organization have committed unconstitutional acts of the sudden blockage of their event, on the premise of religious oppression.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus had rented the Imjingak Peace Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province from October 29 to 31 to hold a Religious Leaders Forum and their 110,000 Graduation Ceremony on the 30th. Tens of thousands of graduates and religious leaders from both Korea and abroad had already entered the country and completed all preparations to participate in the event. Shincheonji had already spent hundreds of billions of won to conduct the event at this scale. However, on the morning of the 29th, it was reported the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization unilaterally cancelled the rental without consultation or notice to the other parties involved.

Frustrations from Shincheonji come from reports that all administrative procedures for the procession of the Religious Leaders Forum and the Graduation Ceremony were of legal nature and in constant cooperation with the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation – both parties received an approval notice as early as July 22, rental fee from Shincheonji being paid in full on October 2 and on October 16, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization gave final reviews of all the details of the event, undergoing extensive safety inspections. In particular, on the same day, there was news that Gyeonggi Province had designated the entire Paju City as a danger zone, but under the guise to block the distribution of leaflets to North Korea. Furthermore, on October 23 and 28, figures from the tourism organisation confirmed twice that “there are no plans to cancel the venue booking.”

The Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon had ordered the cancellation of the venue, due to the reason of “provoking North Korea.”

Shincheonji and many others allege that large-scale events that had taken place at Imjingak Peace Nuri had never brought forth any unwanted attention from the nation’s direct opposition. Speculations arose that it was due to the targeting of a specific religious group from the local government.

Knowing that this stemmed from such and that it also defies many aspects of the Korean constitution, it has caused much outcry from those both in and outside of Shincheonji.

Shincheonji are looking to take all possible legal means to resolve the issue if the events proceed in a way where the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization fail to take responsibility, or fail to settle the matter civilly.

Street protests from members within Shincheonji are also being considered.

Shincheonji are also asking for an official public apology from their former event partners, and to put a halt to religious discrimination against them and others.

Freedom of religion has been stressed heavily, with Shincheonji officials stating “freedom of religion is not a subject of negotiation” in order for them and their congregation to exercise their faith without discrimination.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

October 30, 2024

Religion and Faith – Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center Holds Record-Breaking 110,000 Graduation Ceremony

Source: NewzEngine.com

Zion Christian Mission Center and Chairman Young-Jin Tan, from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony by Chairman Man-Hee Lee held their ‘115th 110,000 Joint Graduation Ceremony’ at the Shincheonji Cheongju Church Branch on Wednesday 30^th October, with many overseas graduates flying in to attend the ceremony.

A total of 111,628 graduates graduated at the ceremony, marking the fourth time that over 100,000 graduates have graduated – this record-breaking number follows the 103,764 graduates in 2019, 106,186 graduates in 2022, and 108,084 graduates in 2023.

Originally planned to be held at the Imjingak Peace Park, the location was unilaterally cancelled the day before by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation. However, the many attendees that came followed suite to the location change at the Shincheonji Cheongju Church Branch.

Whilst many graduates from both domestic and abroad arrived, the event was also attended by foreign religious leaders who visited Korea specifically to visit the graduation ceremony. The graduation’s online attendance was also met by many graduates from other domestic branches, as well as multitudes tuning in online from all other overseas churches.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

October 15, 2024

State of Israel Goes Rogue – Attacks UN Peacekeepers – Paul Buchanan and Selwyn Manning – NewzEngine.com

Source: NewzEngine.com

A View from Afar – In this episode of A View From Afar political scientist Paul Buchanan and host Selwyn Manning analyse how the state of Israel has gone rogue, attacking United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. At this juncture it is clear this is an intentional attack.

Over the past week Israel Defense Force troops have repeatedly attacked UN peacekeepers who were authorised and deployed to the region by the United Nations Security Council.

Also last week; the Government of Israel issued a statement notifying the United Nations Secretary General that he was now banned from Israel and was persona non grata. Within a day of that statement, IDF troops had fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Southern Lebanon.

Since then, the IDF has continued operations that threaten the UN’s presence. And Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now issued a directive to the UN peacekeeping force to withdraw from the area north of its borders in Southern Lebanon.

Also, despite the United States Biden Administration cautioning Israel on its attacks on UN personnel, overnight New Zealand time, the United States has deployed 100 US troops on the ground in Israel to operate missile defence systems.

In this podcast, Paul and Selwyn consider:

Why Israel has begun to attack United Nations peacekeepers in the region?
Why has the United States deepened its involvement in Israel’s so-called defence?
What of Hezbollah, Hamas; are their attacks on Israel a defence or an attacking offensive?
What of Iran, what is its position and will it engage in a full-scale war with Israel and what are the consequences should it do so?

INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:

Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.

To interact during live recordings of A View from Afar podcasts, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

Remember to subscribe to the channel.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

October 15, 2024

Religion and Faith – Large Gathering of 16,000 People and Pastors Marks Conclusion of Evangelism Seminar at Shincheonji Jeonju Church

Source: NewzEngine.com

Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do – The Shincheonji Jeonju Church of Jesus hosted a grand Evangelism Seminar on October 13, attended by approximately 250 pastors and viewed online by over 117,000 people. This event marked the culmination of a 20-day festival focused on the Book of Revelation, a topic often considered complex and challenging.

Festivities began well before the seminar, with attendees arriving hours early to experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional Korean performances. Military and Nongak bands entertained crowds, creating a festival-like ambiance. Participants lined up for over a kilometer from the Jeonju IC’s ‘Honam First Gate’ to the venue, showcasing the strong interest in the seminar.

The Chairman of the Shincheonji Church, Man-Hee Lee opened the event by inviting pastors to engage directly with his teachings, stating, “If there is anything wrong with the words I am preaching, please raise your hand and ask questions at any time.” He emphasized the significance of the Book of Revelation, explaining its current relevance and urging attendees to verify its teachings.

The Chairman reiterated, “The contents of the Book of Revelation should not be arbitrarily added to or subtracted from,” encouraging pastors to explore and learn from the Shincheonji. Following his lecture, the attending pastors expressed their gratitude and many stated that they will relay what they have learnt to their respective churches.

Attendees echoed the impact of the seminar. A pastor from the Jeonbuk region remarked, “It was impressive to see him strongly say that the Book of Revelation is Jesus’ promise and therefore should not be added to or taken away from it arbitrarily.” Missionary Park, who attended after watching previous seminars online, noted, “The words were shockingly refreshing. I feel like I’ve found a new guide for my future missionary work.”

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus actively engaged with the local community, promoting the seminar’s purpose and capturing the attention of residents, who photographed the lively street parade. Earlier this month, the church’s Thomas Tribe Branch organized events to spread the message of the Book of Revelation, further enhancing community involvement.

The Shincheonji Church expressed gratitude to all participants for their support during the 20-day event, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to sharing the fulfilled messages of the Book of Revelation. With many more future dialogue and engagements announced, the church is a representative of the many current and active initiatives in shaping and supporting the religious communities today.

– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com