SEOUL, South Korea — The Shincheonji Church of Jesus on Monday accused the South Korean government of violating the country’s constitution, claiming the administration is using state power to target the religious group as a social harm.
The statement follows a Jan. 12 meeting where President Lee Jae-myung told religious leaders that societal damage caused by specific religions had been neglected. On Jan. 13, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered a joint investigation and eradication measures, using terms such as cult and heresy during a Cabinet meeting.
Church leaders said the rhetoric preemptively brands the group as a problematic entity before a formal investigation has concluded. They argued the move violates Article 20 of the South Korean Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
By what authority does a secular government define and judge religious doctrine? the church asked in the statement. On what legal basis does the highest seat of power provide investigative guidelines that undermine the independence of the judiciary?
The church noted that past allegations against the group have resulted in acquittals. It characterized the new investigation as a political move to weaponize majority opinion against a minority religion.
The statement also challenged the government to provide specific evidence of verified damage rather than using abstract labels. Church officials said the group has contributed to the public through record-breaking blood drives and disaster relief efforts.
Shincheonji leaders proposed resolving theological disputes through a public Bible examination, asserting that the government should return to its duty of serving all people regardless of faith.
If one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be the target tomorrow, the statement said.
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