The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as unconstitutional government targeting of its religious community, warning that current actions could undermine democratic principles in South Korea. The church's statement comes in response to recent comments by President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok that the organization says preemptively brand it as problematic before any formal investigation has concluded.
On January 12, President Lee stated during a meeting with religious leaders that societal harm caused by a specific religion had been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage. The following day, Prime Minister Kim reportedly used terms including 'cult' and 'heresy' while ordering joint investigation and eradication measures during a Cabinet meeting. The Shincheonji Church argues these statements effectively draw conclusions before any formal investigation has begun, potentially compromising due process and investigative independence.
The church contends that the administration is dismantling constitutional boundaries by declaring the group a 'cult' and 'harm' as a foregone conclusion. The organization questions by what authority a secular government defines and judges religious doctrine, and on what legal basis the highest seat of power provides investigative guidelines that might undermine judicial independence. According to the church statement, criteria for orthodoxy or heresy must never be based on political proximity or secular interests but should be rooted solely in scriptural interpretation.
Shincheonji has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through open, public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. The church notes there has been no fair response to this invitation despite its willingness to correct any genuine doctrinal or social errors identified with specificity. The organization points to its community contributions, including voluntary service during national disasters and record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, as evidence of its commitment to being a vital part of society.
The church statement references historical parallels, noting that Jesus Christ was branded a heretic and persecuted by the religious establishment of his time, yet history ultimately vindicated him as the cornerstone of faith. The organization questions whether it is justifiable to label a religious body heretical based on congregation size or assertions of rival pastors rather than biblical content.
Despite numerous past allegations, the judicial process has repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion according to the church. Recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks raises questions about whether South Korea is departing from standards expected of a democratic state governed by the rule of law. The church warns that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be targeted tomorrow, creating a dangerous precedent for religious freedom.
The Shincheonji Church asserts its constitutional right to freedom of religion and calls upon the government to cease emotional branding, base judgments on facts and law, and return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally. The organization emphasizes that its members have consistently demonstrated their sincerity as citizens through cooperation with authorities, extensive volunteerism, and life-saving blood donations. As people of faith who believe in God and Jesus, and as citizens of South Korea, church members affirm they will continue living according to their beliefs while standing firm within legal frameworks.
