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Shincheonji Church Condemns South Korean Government's 'Unconstitutional' Targeting

Shincheonji Church accuses South Korean government of unconstitutional religious targeting, violating freedom of religion. Details statements by President Lee & PM Kim.

This news matters because it represents a critical test of religious freedom and constitutional principles in a major democracy. The South Korean government's public labeling of a specific religious group as a "cult" and "social harm" before a formal investigation concludes sets a concerning precedent where state power could be used to marginalize minority beliefs. For readers, this highlights the fragility of civil liberties; when a government bypasses due process to target one group, it potentially erodes legal protections for all. The church's invocation of historical religious persecution and its call for scriptural debate over political condemnation touches on universal themes of tolerance, the separation of church and state, and the rule of law. The outcome of this confrontation could influence how democracies worldwide balance state security concerns with the protection of minority rights, making it a case study with implications far beyond South Korea's borders.