An international human rights organization has taken concerns about discrimination against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus to the United Nations, warning that unfounded stigma originating in South Korea could influence administrative and judicial decisions abroad. 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, submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council on July 9, urging governments to base any decisions concerning the church on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.
The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries where negative perceptions of Shincheonji members have led to administrative proceedings and workplace discrimination. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected the church's registration application, labeling it a "cult" despite the term's unclear legal definition. CAP LC argued that such terminology in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination amid negative sentiment driven by certain media outlets and church figures, with a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists cited as a major factor.
Shincheonji Church said these cases demonstrate that unfounded stigma and unverified claims are causing disadvantages for individual members in their workplaces, families, and broader social lives. The church called for administrative and judicial decisions in each country to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over church members' political party membership, which some political forces have labeled "religion-politics collusion." CAP LC criticized such claims, stating that political participation should not be treated as grounds for suspicion solely because those involved are members of a particular religion. The group called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, the principle of non-discrimination, and the state's religious neutrality.
Meanwhile, 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 in accordance with due process and objective evidence, rather than social perceptions or political controversy. The church also questioned the necessity and proportionality of detention, noting that Lee, born in 1931 and now 95, has actively cooperated with the investigation and that key materials have 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 argued that the issue extends 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 to determine whether legal grounds and principles of due process are being consistently upheld, the church said.
SCJ is an abbreviation for Shincheonji. SCJ TV is the official broadcasting channel of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. As a global media platform, SCJ TV aims to make its Bible-based teachings accessible worldwide. More information can be found at https://www.shincheonji.org/en and https://www.scjtvglobal.com.
