…Human rights organization urges governments to rely on evidence and legal standards when addressing religious minority issues
On July 9, Shincheonji Church of Jesus announced that the international human rights organization CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience) submitted a joint written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council expressing concern about growing discrimination and stigma against Shincheonji members in several countries.
Rather than focusing on the church itself, CAP LC emphasized the importance of ensuring that administrative and judicial decisions involving religious groups are based on verifiable evidence and established legal principles. The organization warned that unverified allegations and negative perceptions originating in South Korea could influence public opinion, government actions, and court decisions abroad if accepted without proper scrutiny.
Accordingly, CAP LC called on governments to evaluate matters involving Shincheonji Church of Jesus using objective evidence and clear legal standards.
According to the church, the statement highlights a broader concern that allowing unsupported stigma to shape public policy could create a precedent affecting other religious minorities, reinforcing the responsibility of governments to protect religious freedom and equal rights.
CAP LC, an international NGO with Special Consultative Status at the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has previously raised international concerns regarding religious freedom, including cases involving the Church of Almighty God in China and the Japanese government’s request to dissolve the Unification Church (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification).
Shincheonji stated that CAP LC’s involvement indicates that issues surrounding the church are receiving attention beyond South Korea as part of wider international human rights discussions.
Reported Cases of Discrimination Abroad
CAP LC’s statement cited examples from the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries, where negative perceptions of Shincheonji members have reportedly extended beyond public opinion into administrative decisions and social discrimination.
In the United Kingdom, the Charity Commission denied the church’s registration application while referring to it as a “cult,” a label CAP LC argued lacks a clear legal definition and may contribute to social stigma when used in official proceedings.
In Germany and neighboring German-speaking countries, members have reportedly experienced workplace discrimination linked to negative media coverage and criticism from some religious organizations. CAP LC also identified a 2025 publication by evangelical activists as contributing to unfavorable public perceptions.
Shincheonji said these examples demonstrate that unverified claims and social prejudice can adversely affect members’ employment, family relationships, and everyday lives, underscoring the need for government authorities to base decisions on evidence rather than public sentiment.
Concerns Over Investigation in South Korea
The statement also addressed political participation in South Korea, criticizing claims that Shincheonji members’ involvement in political parties automatically constitutes improper collaboration between religion and politics. CAP LC argued that participation in political activities should not be viewed with suspicion solely because individuals belong to a particular faith.
The organization urged the South Korean government to uphold religious freedom, non-discrimination, and state neutrality toward religion.The statement comes as South Korean authorities investigate allegations involving party membership by church members. On June 24, a court approved the arrest of Chairman Lee Man-hee over concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On June 29, prosecutors formally indicted him while in detention on charges that include alleged violations of the Political Parties Act.
Shincheonji maintains that the legal proceedings should be conducted according to due process and objective evidence rather than public opinion or political controversy. The church also questioned the necessity and proportionality of Lee’s detention, noting his advanced age, his reported cooperation with investigators, and that key evidence had already been secured.
A Broader Question of Religious Freedom
According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, both the reported discrimination overseas and the investigation in South Korea raise a broader question about how governments and judicial authorities should treat religious minorities.
The church argues that the issue extends beyond one religious organization and reflects whether legal systems consistently uphold due process, equal treatment, and the protection of religious freedom. It said the international community is closely watching the case to assess whether these principles are applied fairly in South Korea and in other countries where administrative or judicial decisions affect Shincheonji members.
The church concluded that the outcome will serve as an important indicator of institutional commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities under the rule of law.
