An international human rights organization has raised concerns at the United Nations about the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, warning that unverified claims could lead to unfair treatment across borders.
CAP LC, the Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council on July 9, expressing concern that negative perceptions and unverified materials about the church formed in South Korea could have serious impacts on public opinion and administrative and judicial decisions in other countries, according to a press release from Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
The statement urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, rather than unsubstantiated stigma. CAP LC holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has previously raised issues including the persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over Japan's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church.
The press release cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions have led to administrative proceedings and workplace discrimination. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's application for registration, describing the church as a 'cult'—a term without clear legal definition. CAP LC pointed out that using such terms in official procedures can produce strong social stigma.
In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination driven by negative media and church figures. A critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists was cited as a major factor deepening such perceptions.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation. CAP LC criticized claims that church members' party membership amounts to 'religion-politics collusion,' saying political participation should not be treated as grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation. The group called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion and non-discrimination.
Amid these concerns, South Korea is investigating allegations related to church members' party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On June 29, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee while in detention on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji maintains that the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions.
The church also questioned the necessity and proportionality of detention for Lee, who is 95 years old and has cooperated with the investigation. The press release noted that key materials have already been secured through searches and seizures.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the cases of discrimination cited in CAP LC's statement and the investigation in South Korea raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argued that the issue goes beyond controversy over a particular group and serves as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are equally protected. The international community is watching to see whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld, the church said.
For more information, visit SCJ TV, the official broadcasting channel of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
