Shincheonji Church condemns government’s targeting, calls for constitutional respect

Members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus./HANDOUT

In a statement released Monday, January 19, the church expressed “profound concern over this unilateral interference by state power” and called on the government to uphold “fair, restrained, and constitutional governance.”

The controversy stems from remarks made by President Lee Jae-myung on 12 January during a meeting with religious leaders. The president said, “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 referred to the group as a “cult” and “heresy” and ordered a joint government investigation and “eradication” measures.

The Shincheonji Church criticised these statements as preemptive and damaging. “These statements effectively draw a conclusion before any formal investigation has begun,” the statement said.

The church argued that labeling a religious group as a “socially problematic entity” before investigation undermines due process and compromises the independence of the judiciary.

“By what authority does a secular government define and judge religious doctrine? On what legal basis does the highest seat of power provide ‘investigative guidelines’ that undermine the independence of the judiciary?” the church asked.

The church stressed that any judgment of orthodoxy or heresy must be rooted in scripture, not political interest.

“Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was branded a ‘heretic’ and persecuted by the religious establishment of his time. Yet, history has vindicated Jesus as the cornerstone of the faith,” the statement said.

Shincheonji called for an open, public Bible examination to address theological disputes, noting that there has been no response to this proposal.

“If there are genuine doctrinal or social errors, we ask that they be identified with specificity. We are committed to correcting any faults and have consistently maintained this stance,” the church said.

The statement highlighted the group’s community contributions, including voluntary service during national disasters and record-breaking blood drives during supply crises.

Despite these efforts, the church said the government continues to use abstract labels such as “harm” without citing any verified instance of damage.

The church also warned against political scapegoating.

“The President and the political establishment must move away from the politics of scapegoating and toward a politics of unity that serves all the people they represent. Attempts to use religious establishments to evade political risks, or to weaponize majority opinion to suppress a minority religion, serve neither national development nor democracy,” the statement said.

The church concluded by reaffirming its commitment to lawful faith practice and social service.

“If one religion is targeted today, any marginalised group could be the target tomorrow. We will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, and will not be silenced, affirming our constitutional right to freedom of religion,” the statement said.

Shincheonji members stressed their sincerity as citizens, noting their ongoing cooperation with authorities and charitable contributions.

“As people of faith who believe in God and Jesus, and as people of this nation, the church members will continue to live up to who they are as they always have,” the statement said.