Monrovia – An international human rights organization with consultative status at the United Nations has raised concerns about what it describes as growing discrimination and social stigma against members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in several countries, urging governments and institutions to base decisions on verifiable evidence and established legal standards rather than public perceptions.
The concerns were highlighted in a joint written statement submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council by the Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), an international non-governmental organization that advocates for freedom of conscience and religious liberty.
According to the statement, CAP LC warned that negative perceptions and unverified allegations originating in South Korea could influence public opinion, administrative actions, and judicial decisions in other countries if accepted without adequate scrutiny.
The organization called on governments to ensure that any decisions involving the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are grounded in objective evidence and clear legal principles, emphasizing that the rights of religious minorities should be protected regardless of public sentiment.
CAP LC argued that the issue extends beyond a single religious group and raises broader questions about how states treat minority faith communities. The organization cautioned that allowing unsubstantiated stigma to shape official actions could create precedents affecting other religious minorities around the world.
The statement cited examples from the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries, where it said members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have reportedly faced social and professional disadvantages linked to negative public perceptions.
In the United Kingdom, CAP LC pointed to the rejection of the church’s application for charitable registration by the Charity Commission, noting that the church had been described as a “cult” despite ongoing debates over the legal definition and application of the term.
The organization expressed concern that the use of such labels in official administrative processes, without a clearly defined legal basis, could reinforce social stigma and prejudice.
In Germany and other German-speaking regions, CAP LC reported cases of alleged workplace discrimination against church members amid negative media coverage and criticism from some religious groups. The organization also referenced a book published in 2025 by evangelical activists, which it said contributed to negative perceptions of the church.
Beyond international concerns, the statement also addressed developments in South Korea, where authorities are investigating allegations involving political party memberships held by some church members.
CAP LC criticized assertions that participation by Shincheonji members in political activities automatically constitutes improper collusion between religion and politics. The organization argued that individuals should not be subjected to suspicion or discrimination solely because of their religious affiliation.
The statement called on South Korean authorities to uphold constitutional principles of religious freedom, state neutrality toward religion, and non-discrimination throughout the ongoing investigation.
The controversy intensified after South Korean authorities launched a probe into allegations related to party membership activities involving church members. On June 24, a court reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns that evidence could be destroyed. Five days later, prosecutors indicted Lee while he remained in detention on charges that include alleged violations of the Political Parties Act.
While legal proceedings remain ongoing, Shincheonji Church of Jesus maintains that the case should be assessed through due process and objective evidence rather than public opinion or political controversy.
The church has also questioned the necessity of Lee’s continued detention, noting that he is 95 years old and has cooperated with investigators. Church officials argue that key evidence has already been secured through searches and seizures, making prolonged detention unnecessary.
According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the concerns outlined by CAP LC highlight a broader issue facing religious minorities globally: whether judicial and administrative institutions apply legal standards consistently and impartially when dealing with minority faith groups.
The church said the outcome of the ongoing investigations and related decisions in various countries will serve as an important indicator of how effectively governments and institutions protect religious freedom, due process, and the rights of minority religious communities under international human rights standards.
CAP LC, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has previously raised concerns before international bodies regarding religious freedom issues in several countries, including cases involving the Church of Almighty God in China and legal actions affecting the Unification Church in Japan.
The latest statement signals growing international attention to the treatment of religious minorities and the balance between public scrutiny, legal accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
