The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a statement condemning what it describes as the South Korean government's unconstitutional targeting of a specific religious group. The church asserts that government officials have mobilized state power in a retaliatory manner, categorically labeling Shincheonji a 'social harm' and a 'detriment.' This action, according to the church, constitutes a grave violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
The controversy stems from public statements made by President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok in January 2026. During a meeting with religious leaders, President Lee stated that societal harm caused by a specific religion had been neglected for too long. The following day, Prime Minister Kim reportedly used terms like 'cult' and 'heresy' to order a joint investigation and 'eradication' measures during a Cabinet meeting. The Shincheonji statement argues these pronouncements effectively draw a conclusion before any formal investigation has begun, preemptively branding the group as a 'socially problematic entity' and compromising due process.
The church questions the legal basis for a secular government to define and judge religious doctrine, asking by what authority it provides 'investigative guidelines' that could undermine judicial independence. It draws a historical parallel, noting that Jesus Christ was branded a heretic and persecuted by the religious establishment of his time, yet was later vindicated as the cornerstone of faith. The statement challenges whether it is justifiable to label a religious body heretical based on congregation size or rival pastors' assertions rather than biblical content.
In response to the allegations, Shincheonji has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. The church states it has received no fair response to this invitation. It maintains that if there are genuine doctrinal or social errors, they should be identified with specificity, and the church is committed to correcting any faults. The statement highlights the church's community contributions, including voluntary service during national disasters and leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, questioning why the government uses abstract labels like 'harm' without presenting specific, verified instances of damage.
The church further notes that despite numerous past allegations, judicial processes have repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. It argues that recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks leads observers to question South Korea's commitment to democratic standards and the rule of law. The statement calls on the President and political establishment to move away from scapegoating politics and toward unity, warning that attempts to use religious establishments to evade political risks or weaponize majority opinion to suppress a minority religion serve neither national development nor democracy.
The Shincheonji Church affirms it will stand firm within the framework of law and order, exercising its constitutional right to freedom of religion. It calls upon the government to cease emotional branding, base judgments on facts and law, and return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally. The church's members, described as sincere people of the Republic of Korea, state they will continue their faith and civic contributions as they always have. For more information on the church's activities, visit https://www.shincheonji.kr.
