UN Rights Body Urged to Act on Shincheonji Discrimination

An international human rights organization has submitted a formal statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, raising concerns about the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, also known as the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), criticized the use of unverified materials and negative perceptions that have led to administrative and judicial actions against the church in multiple countries. CAP LC urged governments to base decisions on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, warning that unfounded stigma could set a dangerous precedent for other religious minorities worldwide.

The statement specifically highlighted cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's registration application, describing the church as a 'cult' without a clear legal definition. In Germany and other regions, members have faced workplace discrimination driven by negative media reports and a critical book published by evangelical activists in 2025. CAP LC also addressed controversy in South Korea, where an investigation into church members' political party membership has led to the detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the case should be handled based on due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus emphasized that the CAP LC statement underscores the need to protect religious minorities and uphold international human rights standards. The church operates SCJ TV, its official broadcasting channel, which provides Bible-based teachings and cultural content worldwide. The organization argues that the treatment of its members serves as a litmus test for the protection of religious freedom globally. For more information, visit https://www.shincheonji.org/en or https://www.scjtvglobal.com.