CAP LC, an international human rights organization 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 spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The statement, released on July 9, focuses on the standards by which such matters are assessed, warning that negative perceptions and unverified materials formed in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion, administrative proceedings, and judicial decisions in other countries.
The statement cites cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's application for registration, labeling the church a “cult,” a term with an unclear legal definition. CAP LC noted that using such terms in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination driven by negative media and church figures. CAP LC highlighted a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists as a major factor deepening discriminatory perceptions.
CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards. Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the statement shows that if unfounded stigma gains international acceptance, other religious minorities could be judged similarly, underscoring states' responsibility to protect religious minorities' rights.
The statement also addresses controversy in South Korea over political participation. CAP LC criticized claims that Shincheonji members' party membership amounts to “religion-politics collusion,” arguing that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation. It 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 maintains that the case should be handled with due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy.
The necessity and proportionality of detention have also emerged as issues. Shincheonji argues that detention should be subject to stricter scrutiny given Lee's advanced age of 95, his cooperation with the investigation, and that key materials have already been secured through searches and seizures.
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 group and serves as a measure of whether religious minorities' rights are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. It said 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 would test the strength of social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities. More information is available at Shincheonji Church of Jesus and SCJ TV.
