Shincheonji Church Accuses South Korean Government of Religious Freedom Violations

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a statement accusing the South Korean government of violating constitutional religious freedom protections through what it describes as targeted persecution. The church contends that government officials have prematurely labeled the religious group a 'social harm' and 'detriment' while mobilizing state power in a retaliatory manner, actions it claims violate Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea guaranteeing religious freedom and separation of church and state.

The controversy stems from statements made by President Lee Jae-myung on January 12 during a meeting with religious leaders, where he stated that 'societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.' This was followed on January 13 by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who during a Cabinet meeting utilized terms such as 'cult' and 'heresy' to order a joint investigation and 'eradication' measures. The church argues these statements effectively draw conclusions before any formal investigation has begun, compromising due process and investigative principles.

While a government-mandated joint investigation is underway, the Shincheonji Church questions the administration's authority to define religious doctrine, asking 'By what authority does a secular government define and judge religious doctrine?' The church emphasizes that criteria for 'orthodoxy' or 'heresy' must be rooted solely in the Holy Scriptures rather than political proximity or secular interests, drawing parallels to historical religious persecution where Jesus Christ was branded a heretic by the religious establishment of his time.

The Shincheonji Church has proposed resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure, noting there has been no fair response to this invitation. The church maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified. Despite this stance, the church says the government continues to use abstract labels such as 'harm' without presenting specific instances of verified damage.

The statement references past judicial processes that have resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion regarding allegations against the church, arguing that recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks questions whether South Korea remains committed to democratic standards and rule of law. The church calls upon the government to cease emotional branding and base judgments on facts and law, returning to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally regardless of faith.

Shincheonji Church members have demonstrated their commitment to society through actions including voluntary service during national disasters and leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, as documented in their community engagement efforts at https://www.shincheonji.kr/en/community. The church asserts that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be targeted tomorrow, and it will stand firm in truth and faith within legal frameworks while affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion.