The Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France has strongly disputed a recent Le Parisien newspaper article, accusing the publication of damaging the organization's reputation through unverified claims and biased reporting. Church representatives argue that the article, titled 'They Treated Us Like Animals,' fundamentally mischaracterizes their religious community by relying heavily on unsubstantiated testimonies from former members.
The church submitted a comprehensive written response to the journalist's 12 initial questions, yet only two sentences were included in the final article. Church officials claim this represents less than 1% of their provided context, effectively preventing readers from obtaining a balanced perspective on their organization.
To counter the negative portrayal, the church presented testimonials from current members who described positive experiences. Teresa, a six-year member in Paris, stated, 'Faith is something voluntary. Here, I've learned about God and how to live as a person of light.' Another member, Axel, shared how the church helped him find meaning in life and even led him to meet his wife.
The church categorically denied allegations of coercive practices, including claims of training camps, internet restrictions, and family isolation. They emphasized that all participation is voluntary and that members are encouraged to maintain relationships with families and communities.
Particularly contentious was the article's sensationalist headline and unverified claims, such as a photo supposedly depicting punishment, which the church explained was a misrepresented personal image taken out of context.
The organization is calling for media outlets to adopt more ethical reporting standards, including inclusive reporting, sufficient coverage of official responses, and respect for religious freedom. They argue that sensationalist reporting can stigmatize religious communities and violate fundamental human rights.
