The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a formal statement expressing deep concern over speculative reports alleging the church's involvement in political interference, specifically regarding claims of "mass entry into the People Power Party" and interference in presidential and general elections. The church categorically denies instructing members to join any political party or engage in systematic election activities, emphasizing that individual political choice is a constitutional right and that the church neither tracks nor controls such decisions.
In response to these allegations, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is demanding that the Joint Investigation Headquarters conduct a simultaneous joint inquiry by cross-referencing the church's membership list with political party rosters, including those of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party. The church states its willingness to provide its membership list with member consent, insisting the investigation must not target a specific party alone but must be comprehensive, as instructed by the President, leaving "no one exempt." This call for transparency aims to establish truth based on facts rather than unverified speculation, which the church argues has been amplified by certain politicians and media outlets, potentially prejudicing the investigation's outcome.
The implications of this demand extend beyond Shincheonji, as it challenges the methods used in investigating religious groups' political ties. If implemented, such a cross-referencing investigation could set a precedent for how allegations of collusion between religion and politics are handled in South Korea and globally, impacting religious freedom and political integrity. The church's stance highlights the need for impartiality in investigations, as biased approaches could undermine public trust in both religious institutions and democratic processes.
Furthermore, Shincheonji calls for the investigation to verify whether any confirmed party members joined under systemic instruction and participated in intra-party elections, such as presidential or leadership primaries. The church also demands that specific evidence be presented if claims persist about receiving special favors through political intervention, noting the irony that it faces obstacles in using its own facilities as religious sites despite legal purchases. This points to broader issues of religious discrimination and the potential misuse of allegations for political gain, which could affect other minority groups in similar contexts.
In a broader context, Shincheonji urges the Headquarters to investigate collusion between politics and religion across all religious groups, including Protestant, Buddhist, and Catholic denominations, using the same methods applied to it. This demand for equitable treatment underscores the importance of consistency in legal and investigative frameworks to prevent selective targeting, which could have ripple effects on interfaith relations and regulatory practices worldwide. The outcome of this case may influence how governments balance religious autonomy with political accountability, shaping future policies on election integrity and religious freedom. For more information on Shincheonji Church of Jesus, visit https://www.shincheonji.org.
