Shincheonji Church Criticizes French Newspaper for Biased Reporting

Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France has expressed strong disapproval of a recent article published by Le Parisien, accusing the newspaper of biased reporting that misrepresents the church and its members. The church's statement highlights concerns over the article's focus on the grievances of a former member while significantly underrepresenting the church's detailed response to the allegations. According to Shincheonji Church, their comprehensive reply to the journalist's questions was drastically condensed, leaving readers with a skewed perception of the situation.

The article in question, titled "They Treated Us Like Animals," has been particularly distressing for the church, which argues that the headline sensationalizes and mischaracterizes the experiences of its members. Shincheonji Church disputes the portrayal of certain incidents within the article, including a photograph misinterpreted as depicting punishment, clarifying that the image was taken in jest and unrelated to any disciplinary actions.

In their critique, Shincheonji Church underscores the potential consequences of such reporting, warning that biased coverage can foster stigma and prejudice against religious communities. The church advocates for media practices that prioritize balance and respect, urging outlets to avoid narratives that may incite hatred or misunderstanding. This incident raises important questions about journalistic ethics and the responsibility of the press to accurately and fairly represent diverse communities.