An international human rights organization has submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The statement, submitted by CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience), highlights how negative perceptions and unverified materials from South Korea could impact public opinion, administrative decisions, and judicial outcomes abroad. CAP LC urged governments to base decisions concerning Shincheonji Church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.
CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has a history of raising religious freedom cases, 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. Shincheonji Church said the statement demonstrates that the case is not merely a domestic controversy but one drawing attention under international human rights standards.
The statement cited specific 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 Church's registration application, describing it as a "cult"—a term without clear legal definition. CAP LC noted that such terminology in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members face workplace discrimination driven by negative public sentiment fueled by certain media outlets and church figures, including a critical 2025 book by evangelical activists.
Shincheonji Church said these cases demonstrate that unfounded stigma and unverified claims are causing disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and social lives, and called for decisions based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
The statement also addressed the controversy in South Korea over political participation by church members. CAP LC criticized claims of "religion-politics collusion" by some political forces, stating that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely because individuals are members of a particular religion. The organization called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality.
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 Church maintains that the case should be handled according to due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy.
The necessity and proportionality of detention have emerged as issues, given that Lee, born in 1931 and now 95, is of advanced age, has cooperated with the investigation, and key materials have already been secured through searches and seizures. Shincheonji Church 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 judicial and administrative authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities?
The church said the issue goes beyond controversy over a particular religious group and serves as a measure of whether the rights of religious minorities are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. The international community is watching the case to determine whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld in South Korea's investigation and in administrative and judicial decisions in other countries. Ultimately, how the case is resolved will test the strength of social and institutional trust in the protection of religious minorities.
For more information, visit Shincheonji.org or SCJ TV Global.
