The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), an international NGO with special consultative status at the UN, has submitted a joint written statement to the UN 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.
CAP LC, which focuses on religious freedom, highlighted that negative perceptions and unverified materials from South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion and even administrative and judicial decisions in other countries. The group urged governments to base any decisions concerning the church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.
The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's registration application, describing the church as a "cult"—a term lacking a clear 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 reportedly faced workplace discrimination amid negative public sentiment fueled by certain media and church figures. A critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists was identified as a major factor deepening discriminatory perceptions.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the statement demonstrates that the case is not merely a domestic controversy but one drawing international attention regarding human rights standards. The church argued that unfounded stigma is causing disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and social lives, and called for decisions based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
CAP LC also criticized claims in South Korea that political participation by church members amounts to "religion-politics collusion," stating that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely due to religious affiliation. The group called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality.
These concerns arise amid a South Korean investigation into church members' party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns including possible evidence destruction. On June 29, the government indicted Lee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji maintains the case should be handled with due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy.
The church also raised questions about the necessity and proportionality of detention, noting Lee is 95 years old, has cooperated with the investigation, and key materials have been secured. The church said the cases of discrimination and the investigation raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities?
The church emphasized that the issue goes beyond a particular religious group and serves as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. The international community is watching to see if legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld, the church said, adding that how the case is resolved will test social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities.
