-- Shincheonji Church of Jesus released a position statement addressing recent public remarks by government officials concerning religion, outlining concerns related to constitutional principles, religious neutrality, and due process.
According to the statement, recent remarks by senior government figures characterized a specific religious group using terms such as “social harm” and “detriment,” while indicating the mobilization of state authority. The church stated that such characterizations raise concerns under Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
On January 12, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a meeting with religious leaders that “societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.” This was followed on January 13 by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who, during a Cabinet meeting, referred to concepts such as “cult” and “heresy” while announcing the launch of a joint investigation.
The statement noted that these remarks were made prior to the conclusion of any formal investigative process. It expressed concern that such public characterizations could be interpreted as forming conclusions in advance, potentially affecting perceptions of procedural fairness and due process.
While acknowledging that a government-mandated joint investigation is underway, the church stated that defining or evaluating religious doctrine falls outside the authority of a secular government. The statement emphasized that assessments of religious belief or doctrine should not be shaped by political considerations or administrative authority.
The church further referenced historical precedent, noting that religious movements have, at various points in history, faced persecution or labeling prior to broader societal understanding. In this context, the statement questioned whether contemporary religious evaluations should be based on theological substance or external factors such as organizational size or competing religious claims.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus reiterated that it has consistently supported open and transparent theological dialogue based on Scripture, including public Bible examinations. According to the statement, such proposals have been made repeatedly as a means of resolving doctrinal disputes through religious, rather than political or emotional, processes.
The statement also clarified that the church does not claim infallibility and has maintained that any genuine doctrinal or social issues should be identified with specificity. It noted ongoing efforts by members to contribute positively to society, including participation in disaster relief efforts, volunteer service, and blood donation initiatives during national shortages.
Additionally, the church referenced prior legal proceedings, stating that multiple past allegations have resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. The statement noted that revisiting matters already addressed through judicial processes may raise broader questions regarding legal finality and public trust.
According to the statement, the church’s position is that public discourse concerning religion should be grounded in constitutional principles, factual evidence, and equal application of the law. It emphasized the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and preventing discrimination against any group based on belief.
The statement concluded by affirming that members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus consider themselves sincere citizens of the Republic of Korea and have sought to demonstrate this through lawful cooperation, volunteerism, and civic contribution. The church stated that its members intend to continue participating in society within the framework of law and constitutional order.
Contact Info:
Name: Mary Bocarro
Email: Send Email
Organization: Shincheonji Church of Jesus
Website: https://www.shincheonji.org/en
Release ID: 89182376
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