The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has expressed profound concern over what it describes as unilateral interference by state power in religious affairs, following recent statements by South Korean government officials that targeted the religious group. The church argues that government actions constitute a grave violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and establishes the principle of separation of church and state.
On January 12, President Lee Jae-myung 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 Min-seok utilized terms such as cult and heresy during a Cabinet meeting while ordering joint investigation and eradication measures. The Shincheonji Church contends these statements effectively draw conclusions before any formal investigation has begun, potentially compromising due process and investigative principles.
While a government-mandated joint investigation is underway, the administration is blatantly dismantling constitutional boundaries by declaring the group a cult and a harm as a foregone conclusion, according to the church's statement. The church 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.
The Shincheonji Church has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. To date, there has been no fair response to this invitation, according to the church. The organization maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified.
Despite numerous past allegations, the judicial process has repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion, the church notes. Recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks leads spectators and all parties involved to question whether this reflects what the Republic of Korea stands for or marks a departure from democratic standards, according to the statement.
The church argues that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be the target tomorrow. Shincheonji Church of Jesus will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion. The organization 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.
Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have demonstrated their commitment to society through actions including cooperating with authorities, engaging in volunteerism, and participating in record-breaking blood drives during supply crises. As people of faith who believe in God and Jesus, and as citizens of the nation, church members will continue to live up to who they are as they always have, according to the statement released on January 23, 2026.
