An international human rights organization has submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the church announced on July 9. The statement, submitted by CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience), an NGO with special consultative status at the U.N. Economic and Social Council, focuses on the standards by which such matters are assessed rather than the controversy surrounding the church itself.
CAP LC expressed concern that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion, administrative proceedings, and judicial decisions in other countries. The group urged governments to base decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards. The church said the statement underscores that if unfounded stigma gains international acceptance, other religious minorities could face similar judgments, highlighting the responsibility of states to protect the rights of all religious minorities.
The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions have led to administrative proceedings and interference with individuals' social lives. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected the church's registration application, describing it as a "cult"—a term with an unclear legal definition. CAP LC pointed out that using such terms in official procedures without a clear legal basis can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination amid negative public sentiment driven by certain media and church figures, with a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists deepening discriminatory perceptions.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said these cases are not isolated but reflect unfounded stigma causing disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and broader social lives. It called for administrative and judicial decisions in each country to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation, criticizing claims that church members' party membership amounts to "religion-politics collusion." CAP LC called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality. Amid an ongoing investigation into church members' party membership, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee on June 24, and on June 29, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. The church maintains that the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy.
The necessity and proportionality of detaining Lee, who is 95 and has cooperated with the investigation, have also emerged as issues. The church argues that given his advanced age, cooperation, and the fact that key materials have been secured through searches, detention should be subject to stricter scrutiny.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the cases of discrimination cited in the statement and the investigation in South Korea raise a common question: what standards should state 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 religious minorities' rights are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. The international community is watching to determine whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld. Ultimately, how the case is resolved will test the strength of social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities. For more information, visit Shincheonji.org or SCJ TV Global.
