The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has formally raised constitutional concerns regarding recent statements by South Korean government officials that specifically targeted the religious organization, labeling it a 'social harm' and ordering investigation measures. The church argues these actions constitute a violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and establishes the principle of separation between church and state.
On January 12, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a meeting with religious leaders that 'societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.' The following day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok utilized terms including 'cult' and 'heresy' during a Cabinet meeting while ordering a joint investigation and 'eradication' measures. The Shincheonji Church contends these statements effectively draw conclusions before any formal investigation has begun, potentially compromising due process and investigative principles.
The church questions the authority of a secular government to define and judge religious doctrine, asking on what legal basis the highest seat of power provides 'investigative guidelines' that might undermine judicial independence. According to the church's position, criteria for 'orthodoxy' or 'heresy' must be rooted solely in religious texts rather than political proximity or secular interests. The organization has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through open, public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure, though it reports receiving no fair response to this invitation.
Despite numerous past allegations against the church, judicial processes have repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion, according to the church's statement. The organization questions whether recycling matters already settled by courts as fuel for political and media attacks aligns with democratic standards. The church maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified.
The Shincheonji Church emphasizes its community contributions, including voluntary service during national disasters and leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises. The organization argues the government continues to use abstract labels such as 'harm' without presenting specific instances of verified damage. The church warns that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be targeted tomorrow, calling upon the government to cease emotional branding and base judgments on facts and law.
For more information about the organization's position, visit https://www.shincheonji.kr. The church affirms its constitutional right to freedom of religion and states it will continue to operate within legal frameworks while calling for the government to return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally regardless of faith.
