The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), an international NGO with special consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, has submitted a joint written statement to the UN Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The statement, released on July 9, urges governments to base any decisions concerning the church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, rather than negative perceptions or unverified materials.
CAP LC highlighted cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions have led to administrative proceedings and social interference. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's application for registration, labeling the church a "cult" — a term whose legal definition remains unclear. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination fueled by negative media and a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists. CAP LC warned that such stigma, if accepted internationally, could set a precedent for judging other religious minorities.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over church members' political party membership. CAP LC criticized claims of "religion-politics collusion," arguing that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation. The organization called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality.
Amid these concerns, South Korea is investigating allegations related to church members' party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On June 29, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee while in detention on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy. The church also raised concerns about the necessity and proportionality of detaining Lee, who is 95 years old and has cooperated with the investigation.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated that the cases of discrimination cited in CAP LC's statement and the South Korean investigation raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church emphasized that the issue goes beyond controversy over a particular group and serves as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. The international community is watching to see whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld.
Ultimately, the church said, how the case is resolved will test the strength of social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities. CAP LC has previously brought cases before the UN, including the persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over violations of religious freedom stemming from the Japanese government's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church. More information is available at Shincheonji Church's website and SCJ TV.
