UN Rights Body Urged to Protect Shincheonji Church from Stigma

An international human rights organization has submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. 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), focused not on the controversy surrounding Shincheonji itself but on the standards by which such matters are assessed. The group warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials formed in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion and administrative and judicial decisions in other countries. CAP LC urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.

The statement cited specific cases of stigma leading to discrimination. In the United Kingdom, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji's application for registration, describing the church as a "cult"—a term without clear legal definition. CAP LC pointed out that such terminology in official procedures can produce strong social stigma. In Germany and other German-speaking countries, members have faced workplace discrimination driven by negative media and certain church figures, with a critical book published in 2025 by evangelical activists deepening these perceptions. Shincheonji Church of Jesus said these cases demonstrate that unfounded stigma and unverified claims are causing disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and social lives, and called for decisions based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.

The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation. CAP LC criticized claims that Shincheonji members' party membership amounted to "religion-politics collusion," stating political participation should not be grounds for suspicion based solely on religious affiliation. Amid an investigation into these allegations, an arrest warrant was issued for Chairman Lee Man-hee, aged 95, on June 24, and he was indicted on June 29 on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that due process and objective evidence should guide the case, not social perceptions. The church noted that the necessity and proportionality of detention are questionable given Lee's advanced age and cooperation. Ultimately, Shincheonji said the case serves as a test of whether rights of religious minorities are equally protected in domestic and international procedures. For more information, visit https://www.shincheonji.org/en or https://www.scjtvglobal.com.