The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a statement expressing deep concern about speculative reports alleging the church's involvement in political interference, including claims of "mass entry into the People Power Party" and interference in presidential and general elections. The church categorically denies instructing members to join any political party or engage in political activities, stating that systematic election interference is neither structurally possible nor factually true. According to the church, individual political activity represents a fundamental constitutional right, and the organization neither tracks members' political choices nor maintains lists of party affiliations within its congregation.
Despite these denials, certain politicians and media outlets continue to assert that Shincheonji Church of Jesus is systematically interfering in elections through collusion with specific political parties. The church argues this behavior amplifies unverified speculation and effectively predetermines investigation outcomes before proper examination. In response, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has officially demanded that the Joint Investigation Headquarters conduct a fair verification process that includes simultaneous joint inquiries cross-referencing church membership lists with political party rosters, including those of both the Democratic Party and People Power Party. The church has stated its willingness to provide membership lists with member consent, emphasizing that investigations must not target specific parties alone but must follow the President's instruction for investigations "without sanctuary."
The church further demands that if any individuals are confirmed as registered political party members, investigators must directly examine the circumstances of their joining and determine whether systemic instruction occurred. Additionally, the investigation must objectively verify whether these individuals participated in major intra-party elections such as presidential primaries or party leadership primaries. Regarding claims that Shincheonji Church of Jesus received special favors through political intervention, the church insists that specific details and evidence must be clearly presented, noting that such allegations contradict the reality where the church faces obstacles using its own facilities as religious sites despite purchasing spaces through legally sound processes.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus strongly advocates for clarification through fair joint investigations spanning both ruling and opposition parties rather than suspicion targeting specific political groups. The church also calls for the Joint Investigation Headquarters to examine potential collusion between politics and religion across all religious groups, including Protestant, Buddhist, and Catholic denominations, using the exact same methods applied to Shincheonji. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure impartiality and address broader concerns about religious-political relationships in South Korea. Based on the foundations of Christ and scriptural commands, Shincheonji Church of Jesus operates as a religious group with congregants worldwide and community service initiatives.
