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, administrative proceedings, and judicial decisions abroad.
CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, rather than unsubstantiated claims. The church said the statement highlighted the risk that if unfounded stigma gains international acceptance, other religious minorities could face similar judgment, underscoring states' responsibility to protect religious minority rights.
The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions have led to administrative actions and workplace discrimination. In the U.K., the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's registration application, describing the church as a "cult" without a clear legal definition of the term. CAP LC noted that such language in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking regions, members have reported workplace discrimination fueled by media reports and a critical 2025 book by evangelical activists.
The rights group also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation by church members. CAP LC criticized claims that party membership by Shincheonji members constitutes "religion-politics collusion," arguing that political participation should not be grounds for suspicion solely based on religious affiliation. It 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 possible evidence destruction. On June 29, the government indicted Lee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the case should be handled based on due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions or political controversy.
The church also raised concerns about the necessity and proportionality of detaining Lee, who is 95 years old, has cooperated with the investigation, and whose key materials have already been seized. The church said the cases cited by CAP LC and the South Korean investigation raise a common question: what standards should state authorities apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argued that the issue goes beyond one religious group and serves as a measure of whether religious minority rights are equally protected domestically and internationally.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the international community is watching to determine whether legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld. The church concluded that the resolution of these cases will test social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities. For more information, visit Shincheonji.org or SCJ TV Global.
