The international human rights organization CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council, submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council on July 9 expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The group warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion and even influence administrative and judicial decisions in other countries.
CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards. The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries, where negative perceptions have led to administrative proceedings and workplace discrimination. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected the church's registration application, describing it as a "cult" without a clear legal definition. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists was cited as a major factor deepening discriminatory perceptions.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the statement demonstrated that if unfounded stigma gains international acceptance, other religious minorities could face similar judgments. The church emphasized the responsibility of states to protect the rights of all religious minorities. CAP LC has previously brought to the United Nations issues including the persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over religious freedom violations stemming from the Japanese government's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation. CAP LC criticized claims by some political forces that party membership of Shincheonji members amounts to "religion-politics collusion," arguing that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation. CAP LC called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality.
Amid these concerns, South Korea is investigating allegations related to church members' party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On June 29, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee while in detention on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy. The church also raised concerns about the necessity and proportionality of detention for Lee, who is 95 years old, has cooperated with the investigation, and key materials have already been secured.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the cases of discrimination cited in CAP LC's statement and the investigation in South Korea raise a common question: what standards should state judicial and administrative authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church said the issue goes beyond controversy over a particular religious group and serves as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are being equally protected. The international community is watching to determine whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld. Ultimately, the church said, how the case is resolved will test the strength of social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities.
For more information, visit the official website at https://www.shincheonji.org/en or SCJ TV at https://www.scjtvglobal.com.
