25/04/2026
Statement by the Mandaean Council of Australia
Regarding the Unification Church and Universal Peace Federation Matter
The Mandaean Council of Australia advises that this statement is a continuation of its previous communications regarding the Unification Church and the Universal Peace Federation. It forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and proper documentation.
As previously announced, the Council held an official explanatory forum on 5 April 2026 at Mandi Kanzafra Dakhil in Liverpool. The forum was attended by members of the Mandaean community, along with representatives from the Mandaean World Conference. During the session, documented correspondence and visual materials were presented in full context, without omission or alteration.
The Council confirms that this forum reflects its structured and responsible approach to addressing sensitive matters, away from speculation, misinformation, or unregulated discussion on social media.
The materials presented were shared strictly for documentation and evidentiary purposes. They do not represent a final judgment or accusation against any individual or party, but rather aim to present the facts in a balanced and objective manner.
Following a thorough review of the available documentation, the Council confirms that there is no evidence of any contractual arrangement or explicit or implied agreement by Mr Fuad Soobi involving:
- The sale or transfer of the Mandaean community to any party;
- The inclusion of community members within frameworks or institutions that do not reflect their religious identity;
- Or placing the Mandaean religion under any external organisational structure outside its independent framework.
These findings are based on the documented correspondence itself, which was presented in full without selective interpretation. The Council emphasises that presenting these findings does not amount to defending or condemning any party, but rather reflects its responsibility to prevent misinterpretation or misuse of the material.
The Council further notes:
Its statements form part of a consistent and integrated position;
Any inaccurate or partial dissemination of information may result in legal consequences;
The Council reserves all legal rights in relation to any misuse, distortion, or misrepresentation of information.
The Council also clarifies that individuals who appeared in video recordings at Universal Peace Federation events and made statements relating to Mandaeism were expressing personal views only. They are not authorised to represent the Universal Peace Federation or the Unification Church, as clarified through the correspondence presented during the forum.
The Council considers this matter administratively finalised following the release of this statement, while reserving the right to reopen it should new information arise that warrants further legal or administrative review.
The purpose of the forum was to:
establish a structured and institutional approach to addressing matters of community concern;
provide a respectful and safe environment for the exchange of views; and present documentation in a way that preserves the legal rights of all parties.
To Mandaeans around the world,
The Council confirms its willingness to share relevant information, within legal frameworks, with authorised bodies to support a fair and balanced outcome, without resorting to defamation or unregulated public discussion.
In the interest of transparency, the full proceedings of the forum, lasting over two and a half hours, will be published in stages on the Council’s official page.
As part of its efforts to promote coordination and unity, the Council authorised Mr Ragheb Zidan to engage with His Eminence Rishama Sattar Jabbar Hilo, Head of the Mandaean community in Iraq and worldwide, to explore opportunities for cooperation and joint engagement on this matter with the Fact-Finding Committee.
This approach initially received a positive response from His Eminence, as well as from Ganzibra Salwan Shaker and the Rishama’s office in Australia, indicating a willingness to cooperate.
However, the Council was subsequently advised that the Fact-Finding Committee did not agree to proceed with joint engagement or continued coordination within this framework.
Accordingly, the Council confirms that it has exhausted all available institutional avenues for cooperation in good faith and in line with its responsibilities. It therefore disclaims responsibility for any disruption to collaborative efforts from that point onward.
The Council further clarifies that it bears no legal or ethical responsibility for any unofficial use or interpretation of this matter outside the institutional context, while reserving the right to respond and take appropriate action in the event of any misuse or misrepresentation.
In conclusion, all inquiries or communications must be directed exclusively through the Council’s Secretariat. Any individual contact with Council members or religious authorities does not constitute official representation of the Council and will not be recognised as such.
For official inquiries:
[email protected]
Mandaean Council of Australia
24 April 2026
