Shincheonji Church Condemns South Korean Government's 'Cult' Label as Constitutional Violation

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious group based in South Korea, has issued a forceful statement condemning what it describes as a targeted government campaign against it. The church alleges that the administration of President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has unilaterally labeled Shincheonji a "social harm," "detriment," "cult," and "heresy," ordering a joint investigation and "eradication" measures. This rhetoric, the church argues, constitutes a grave violation of Article 20 of the South Korean Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. The church expresses profound concern over this state interference, accusing the government of drawing conclusions before any formal investigation has begun and of dismantling constitutional boundaries by preemptively branding the group.

In response to these allegations, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has repeatedly proposed a transparent solution: resolving theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination grounded in Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. The church asserts that criteria for orthodoxy must be based solely on the Holy Scriptures, not political proximity or secular interests. It draws a historical parallel, noting that Jesus Christ was once branded a heretic by the religious establishment of his time. The church maintains it has never claimed infallibility and is committed to correcting any genuine doctrinal or social errors if specifically identified. It highlights its record of community service, including voluntary work during national disasters and leading record-breaking blood drives, to counter the government's abstract labels of "harm" without presenting verified instances of damage.

The statement warns of broader implications, arguing that if one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be next. It calls upon the government to cease emotional branding, base judgments on facts and law, and return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally. The church affirms it will stand firm within the framework of law and order, exercising its constitutional right to freedom of religion. It concludes by emphasizing that its members are sincere citizens of the Republic of Korea who have consistently demonstrated their commitment through cooperation with authorities and community service, and they will continue to live as people of faith and nation.