The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a formal statement condemning what it describes as unconstitutional targeting by South Korean government officials who have labeled the religious group a social harm and ordered eradication measures. The church asserts these actions violate Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees religious freedom and mandates separation of church and state. The controversy stems from public statements made by President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok in mid-January that preemptively branded the church as problematic before any formal investigation could be completed.
During a January 12 meeting with religious leaders, President Lee stated that societal harm caused by a specific religion had been neglected too long, resulting in significant damage. The following day, Prime Minister Kim utilized terms including cult and heresy during a Cabinet meeting while ordering joint investigation and eradication measures. The Shincheonji Church argues these statements effectively draw conclusions before investigations begin, compromising due process and investigative principles. The church questions by what authority a secular government defines religious doctrine and on what legal basis executive officials provide investigative guidelines that undermine judicial independence.
Historical parallels have been drawn to the persecution of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago, when religious establishments branded him a heretic. The Shincheonji Church maintains that criteria for orthodoxy or heresy must be rooted solely in scripture rather than political proximity or secular interests. The church has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through open public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure, but reports no fair response to this invitation. Despite past allegations against the church, judicial processes have repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion according to the statement.
The church emphasizes its commitment to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified, noting its members have engaged in voluntary service during national disasters and led record-breaking blood drives during supply crises. The statement questions whether recycling matters already settled by courts as fuel for political attacks reflects what South Korea stands for or marks a departure from democratic standards. The church calls upon government officials to cease emotional branding and base judgments on facts and law, returning to fundamental duties of serving all people equally regardless of faith. Members affirm they will stand firm in truth and faith within legal frameworks while continuing community service work as people of both faith and nation.
