The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), an international NGO with special consultative status at the U.N. Economic and Social Council, has submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over the global spread of discrimination and stigma against members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.
The statement, released by Shincheonji on July 9, highlights that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea are being disseminated abroad, potentially influencing public opinion and even administrative and judicial decisions in other countries. CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, rather than unsubstantiated claims.
CAP LC, which has previously raised issues such as persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and religious freedom concerns regarding Japan's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church, emphasized that the case is not merely a domestic controversy but one that draws attention under international human rights standards.
The statement cites specific instances in the United Kingdom, where the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's registration application, describing the church as a 'cult'—a term lacking clear legal definition. CAP LC warned that such terminology in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members reportedly face workplace discrimination driven by negative media and church figures, exacerbated by a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists.
Shincheonji Church said these cases demonstrate that unfounded stigma is causing disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and social lives, and called for administrative and judicial decisions to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
The statement also addresses controversy in South Korea over political participation, where some political forces have labeled church members' party membership as 'religion-politics collusion.' CAP LC criticized this, asserting that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation, and called on the South Korean government to uphold religious freedom and 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 potential evidence destruction, and on June 29, the government indicted him on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji maintains that the case should be handled with due process and objective evidence, aligning with CAP LC's concerns. The church also questions the necessity of detaining a 95-year-old who has cooperated with the investigation.
Shincheonji Church said the cases raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argues that the issue goes beyond a single group and serves as a measure of whether religious minorities' rights are protected equally. The international community is watching to see if legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld. Ultimately, the resolution of this case will test social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities.
