The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has expressed profound concern over what it describes as unilateral interference by South Korean state power, strongly urging the administration to uphold principles of fair, restrained, and constitutional governance. The religious organization contends that government actions constitute a grave violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and the principle of separation of 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 had been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage. The following day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok utilized terms such as cult and heresy during a Cabinet meeting to order joint investigation and eradication measures. Shincheonji argues these statements effectively draw conclusions before any formal investigation has begun, potentially compromising due process and investigative principles.
The church questions by what authority a secular government defines and judges religious doctrine, and on what legal basis the highest seat of power provides investigative guidelines that might undermine judicial independence. According to Shincheonji, criteria for orthodoxy or heresy must never be based on political proximity or secular interests but must be rooted solely in Holy Scriptures.
Shincheonji has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through open, public Bible examination grounded in Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure, though it reports no fair response to this invitation. The church maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified.
Despite numerous past allegations, the judicial process has repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion according to the church's statement. The organization argues that recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks leads observers to question whether this reflects what the Republic of Korea stands for or marks a departure from democratic state standards.
The church 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. Shincheonji asserts it will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion. The organization maintains its members have demonstrated their sincerity through actions including cooperating with authorities, engaging in volunteerism, and participating in blood donation drives that saved lives.
For business and technology leaders monitoring global developments, this situation highlights the complex intersection of governance, constitutional rights, and social dynamics in major economies. The implications extend beyond religious freedom to broader questions about state power, due process, and the protection of minority groups within democratic systems. As governments worldwide grapple with regulating emerging technologies and social movements, this case demonstrates how traditional constitutional protections face new challenges in contemporary governance contexts.
