Monrovia – An international human rights organization has raised concerns before the United Nations Human Rights Council over what it describes as growing discrimination and stigma against members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in several countries, calling on governments to ensure that administrative and judicial decisions are based on verifiable evidence and established legal standards.
According to a statement released by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, the international NGO CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience) submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council highlighting concerns about the treatment of church members abroad.
The church said CAP LC’s submission focused less on theological controversies surrounding Shincheonji and more on the standards used by governments and institutions when assessing allegations against religious groups.
CAP LC reportedly warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea could influence public opinion in other countries and potentially affect administrative and judicial decisions if not subjected to proper scrutiny.
The organization urged governments to base decisions involving the church on objective evidence and clear legal criteria rather than public sentiment or unverified claims.
According to the church, the statement also emphasized the broader implications for religious freedom, arguing that if unsupported stigma against one religious group becomes internationally accepted, other religious minorities could face similar treatment.
International Attention
CAP LC holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and has previously raised concerns before international bodies on issues involving religious freedom. The organization has been involved in advocacy related to the treatment of the Church of Almighty God in China and debates surrounding the Japanese government’s efforts to dissolve the Unification Church, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.
The Shincheonji Church said CAP LC’s intervention demonstrates that issues involving the church have attracted international attention beyond South Korea and are increasingly being viewed through the lens of international human rights standards.
Allegations of Social and Administrative Discrimination
In its submission, CAP LC reportedly cited cases from the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries, where church members allegedly faced discrimination extending beyond public criticism into administrative actions and social exclusion.
According to the statement, the United Kingdom’s Charity Commission rejected an application by the church for charitable registration, reportedly referring to the organization as a “cult.” CAP LC argued that the use of such terminology in official proceedings, without a clear legal definition, could contribute to social stigma.
The statement also referenced reports from Germany and other German-speaking countries where some church members allegedly experienced workplace discrimination amid negative perceptions fueled by media reports and criticism from religious figures.
CAP LC expressed concern that such developments could create disadvantages for members in their professional, family, and social lives and reiterated its call for authorities to rely on verifiable evidence and legal standards when making decisions affecting religious groups.
Concerns Over South Korea Investigation
The statement also addressed an ongoing political controversy in South Korea involving allegations related to party membership by members of the Shincheonji Church.
CAP LC criticized assertions by some political actors that the participation of church members in political parties constituted evidence of inappropriate ties between religion and politics. The organization argued that individuals should not face suspicion solely because of their religious affiliation and called on South Korean authorities to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and state neutrality in religious matters.
The issue has gained increased attention following legal action involving Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee. South Korean authorities are investigating allegations connected to church members’ political activities. According to reports cited by the church, a court issued an arrest warrant for Lee on June 24, citing concerns including the possible destruction of evidence. He was subsequently indicted on June 29 on charges that reportedly include violations of the Political Parties Act.
While the case remains before the courts, the church maintains that the matter should be resolved through due process and objective evidence rather than public opinion or political controversy.
The church has also questioned the necessity and proportionality of Lee’s detention, noting his advanced age and asserting that he has cooperated with investigators.
Broader Questions on Religious Freedom
According to Shincheonji Church officials, both the discrimination cases highlighted by CAP LC and the ongoing investigation in South Korea raise broader questions about how governments and institutions should approach matters involving religious minorities.
The church argued that the issue extends beyond any single religious organization and touches on wider concerns regarding equal protection, due process, and freedom of religion under domestic and international human rights standards.
CAP LC’s submission, the church said, underscores the importance of ensuring that legal and administrative decisions involving religious groups are grounded in evidence, fairness, and the rule of law rather than societal perceptions or political pressures.
The church added that the outcome of such cases will serve as a significant test of how effectively democratic societies protect the rights of religious minorities while maintaining confidence in legal and institutional processes.
