The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has expressed profound concern over what it describes as unilateral interference by South Korean state power, arguing that recent government statements targeting the religious group constitute a grave violation of constitutional protections. According to the church, government officials have explicitly targeted a specific religious group by categorically labeling it a 'social harm' and 'detriment' while mobilizing state power in a retaliatory manner. The church maintains these actions violate 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.
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.' The following day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok utilized terms such as 'cult' and 'heresy' during a Cabinet meeting to order joint investigation and 'eradication' measures. The Shincheonji Church argues 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 allegedly dismantling constitutional boundaries by declaring the group a 'cult' and 'harm' as a foregone conclusion. 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. According to the church's position, criteria for 'orthodoxy' or 'heresy' must never be based on political proximity or secular interests but must be rooted solely in the Holy Scriptures.
The Shincheonji Church has proposed resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. The church maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified. The organization points to its community service record, including voluntary service during national disasters and leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, as evidence of its commitment to being a vital part of society. Despite these efforts, the church claims the government continues to use abstract labels such as 'harm' without presenting specific instances of verified damage.
Furthermore, the church notes that despite numerous past allegations, judicial processes have repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. The organization argues that recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks raises questions about whether such actions reflect what the Republic of Korea stands for or mark a departure from democratic standards governed by the rule of law. The church maintains that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be targeted tomorrow, emphasizing the broader implications for religious freedom in South Korea.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which describes itself as a religious group based in South Korea operating on the foundations of Christ and commands of Scripture, has congregants worldwide and engages in community service work. More information about the organization can be found at https://www.shincheonji.org. The church asserts it will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion while calling upon the government to base judgments on facts and law rather than emotional branding.
