The international human rights organization CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, has submitted a joint written statement to the UN Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The statement, announced by the church on July 9, highlights that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea are influencing public opinion, administrative proceedings, and even judicial decisions abroad.
CAP LC focused less on the controversy surrounding Shincheonji Church itself than on the standards by which such matters are assessed. The group urged governments to base any decisions concerning the church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards. Shincheonji Church said the statement underscored that if unfounded stigma gains international acceptance, other religious minorities could be similarly judged, emphasizing states' responsibility to protect religious freedom.
The statement cited specific cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji Church's registration application, describing the church as a "cult"—a term lacking clear legal definition. CAP LC pointed out 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, exacerbated by a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists.
Shincheonji Church said these are not isolated incidents; unfounded stigma is causing disadvantages for individual members in workplaces, families, and broader social lives. The church 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 church members' political participation. CAP LC criticized claims by some political forces that party membership of Shincheonji members amounts to "religion-politics collusion," saying political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely because of 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 on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church maintains the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy. The church also questioned the necessity and proportionality of detention, noting Lee's advanced age of 95, his cooperation with the investigation, and that key materials have been secured.
Shincheonji Church said the cases of discrimination abroad and the investigation in South Korea raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argued that the issue goes beyond 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 see whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld.
SCJ TV is the official broadcasting channel of Shincheonji Church, offering Bible-based teachings and cultural content globally.
