📈 Shincheonji Church Rejects S. Korean Govt "Social Harm" Label

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a formal statement (19 Jan 2026) condemning recent South Korean government directives as a violation of religious freedom. The group argues the administration is mobilizing state power to "eradicate" a minority faith without due process. • Government Action & Rhetoric On 13 January, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered a joint investigation into the group, labeling it a "cult" and a "social evil." This follows a statement by President Lee Jae-myung regarding the "neglect of societal harm" caused by specific religions. • Legal & Constitutional Defense • The Church claims a breach of Article 20 of the Constitution, which ensures the separation of church and state. • It asserts that high-level "investigative guidelines" are undermining the independence of the judiciary. • Recent judicial processes involving the group have reportedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. • Social Contributions & Proposals • The group highlights its role in national service, including voluntary disaster relief and record-breaking blood drives. • They have proposed an open, public Bible examination to resolve theological disputes rather than using political pressure. • Broader Context The Church warns that "scapegoating" one religious group sets a dangerous precedent for all marginalized minorities. They maintain that the criteria for "orthodoxy" should be based on scripture, not congregation size or political proximity.