SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The international human rights organization CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), 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, released by Shincheonji Church on July 9, highlights cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions have led to administrative proceedings and workplace discrimination.
CAP LC criticized the use of terms like "cult" without a clear legal basis, as seen in the United Kingdom's Charity Commission rejection of Shincheonji Church's registration application. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination driven by negative public sentiment fueled by media outlets and a critical 2025 book by evangelical activists. CAP LC urged governments to base decisions on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, warning that unfounded stigma could spread to other religious minorities.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation by church members. CAP LC criticized claims of "religion-politics collusion" and called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion and non-discrimination. Meanwhile, South Korea is investigating allegations related to church members' party membership, with Chairman Lee Man-hee, aged 95, arrested on June 24 and indicted on June 29 for alleged violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church maintains that the case should be handled based on due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions.
Shincheonji Church emphasized that the issues raised by CAP LC and the investigation in South Korea share a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argues that the case serves as a test of social and institutional trust in the protection of religious minorities. CAP LC's statement, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, underscores the international dimension of the controversy and the responsibility of states to protect religious freedom.
Shincheonji Church, also known as SCJ, operates SCJ TV as its official broadcasting channel, offering Bible-based teachings and cultural content worldwide. The church reiterated its call for administrative and judicial decisions to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence, both in South Korea and abroad.
