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Shincheonji Church Accuses South Korean Government of Religious Persecution

Shincheonji Church condemns South Korean government for labeling it a "social harm" and violating constitutional religious freedom protections while calling for Bible-based resolution of disputes.

This news matters because it represents a significant test of religious freedom and constitutional protections in a democratic society. When governments begin labeling religious groups as "social harms" and ordering their "eradication" based on theological judgments rather than specific legal violations, it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the fundamental rights of all minority groups. The Shincheonji case echoes historical patterns where states have used religious persecution as a political tool, potentially undermining the rule of law and due process protections that form the foundation of democratic governance. For citizens, this raises concerns about whether constitutional guarantees of religious freedom will be upheld when unpopular or minority faiths face government pressure, and whether political expediency might override legal principles in determining which religious expressions are permitted in society.