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 church announced on July 9. The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council, warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea could influence public opinion and official decisions abroad.
CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions regarding Shincheonji Church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, rather than unsubstantiated claims. The church said the statement highlights the risk that unfounded stigma, if accepted internationally, could lead to similar judgments against other religious minorities, underscoring states' responsibility to protect religious freedom.
The statement 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 the church's registration application, labeling it a cult without a clear legal definition. In Germany, a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists deepened discriminatory perceptions, leading to reported workplace discrimination against members.
CAP LC also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation by church members, criticizing claims that their party membership constitutes "religion-politics collusion." The organization called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Amid an investigation into church members' party affiliations, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee on June 24, and he was indicted on June 29 on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. The church maintains that the case should be handled based on due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions.
Shincheonji Church emphasized that the cases raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church said the issue serves as a measure of whether religious minorities' rights are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. The church's official broadcasting channel, SCJ TV, aims to make Bible-based teachings accessible worldwide.
