The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a statement expressing profound concern over recent remarks by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, which it claims violate Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea guaranteeing freedom of religion and separation of church and state. On 12 January, President Lee stated during a meeting with religious leaders that 'societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.' The following day, Prime Minister Kim used terms such as 'cult' and 'heresy' in a Cabinet meeting to order a joint investigation and 'eradication' measures.
According to the church, these statements effectively prejudge the outcome before any formal investigation has begun, compromising due process. The church questions the authority of a secular government to define religious doctrine and provide 'investigative guidelines' that undermine judicial independence. It argues that criteria for orthodoxy should be based solely on the Holy Scriptures, not political proximity or secular interests.
Drawing a parallel to historical persecution, the church notes that Jesus Christ was branded a heretic by the religious establishment but was later vindicated. It asks whether it is justifiable to label a religious body heretical based on congregation size or assertions from rival pastors rather than biblical content.
The Shincheonji Church has repeatedly proposed resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in scripture rather than emotion or political pressure, but claims there has been no fair response. It states it is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if identified with specificity.
Despite past allegations, the church points out that judicial processes have repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. It argues that recycling settled matters as fuel for political and media attacks leads to questions about whether South Korea remains a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
The church calls on the government to cease emotional branding and base judgments on facts and law, urging a move from scapegoating to unity. It warns that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be targeted tomorrow. The church affirms its constitutional right to freedom of religion and states it will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order.
Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus emphasize their contributions to society, including cooperation with authorities, volunteerism during national disasters, and record-breaking blood drives. They assert their sincerity as people of faith and of the nation, and vow to continue living up to their principles.
