Statement

 

[January 19, 2026]

 

The government's act of singling out a specific religion, categorically mentioning "harm" and "detriment," and taking response measures through the use of public power is an act that seriously undermines the freedom of religion and the principle of the separation of church and state guaranteed by Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses deep concern over such unilateral definitions and interventions by state power and strongly urges for a fair and restrained management of state affairs based on the spirit of the Constitution.

 

 

On January 12, President Lee Jae-myung, during a meeting with religious leaders, mentioned a specific religion and stated, "Harm caused to society has been left unattended for a long time, leading to significant detrimental effects." Subsequently, on the 13th, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, during a cabinet meeting, used terms such as "pseudo" and "heresy" regarding a specific religion and ordered joint investigations and eradication measures. These remarks prejudge the conclusion even before an investigation has commenced and cannot but be viewed as the head of the executive branch defining a specific religion as a socially problematic group.

 

 

The government is blatantly collapsing constitutional boundaries by asserting terms such as "pseudo," "heresy," and "harm" based on a specific religion while the joint investigation it ordered is still ongoing. Who, exactly, granted the government the authority to define and judge religion? What is the basis for the highest authority undermining judicial independence by presenting investigation guidelines?

 

 

The standard for orthodoxy and heresy should not be the existence of collusion with power or political interests, but solely the "Bible."

 

 

History has repeated itself. Jesus, at the time of his first coming, was also defined as a "heretic" and persecuted by established religious leaders. However, over time, Jesus became the center of orthodox faith, not a heretic. Is the current reality of defining a faith organization as heretical based on the size of its denomination or the claims of certain pastors—rather than the contents of the Bible—truly justifiable? Within this awareness, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has made public proposals on several occasions. It has proposed holding a public Bible examination before the public, based on the Bible rather than emotion or public opinion, to distinguish the controversy over heresy. However, there has not yet been a fair response to this.

 

 

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never claimed to be flawless. If there are parts that are wrong doctrinally or socially, we hope they will be pointed out specifically. We have the will to correct mistakes if they exist and have indeed maintained such an attitude. Based on biblical teachings, we have striven to become upright believers socially as well and have not spared cooperation to become a necessary existence for the nation and society. We volunteered during national disaster situations, participated in service to help vulnerable groups, and overcame social difficulties together through blood donations during blood supply crises. Nevertheless, abstract expressions such as "harm" are merely repeated, while no specific facts of damage are being presented.

 

 

While there have been numerous complaints and accusations against Shincheonji in the past, judicial procedures have repeatedly resulted in decisions of non-indictment or innocence. Despite this, new charges continue to be imposed, and the church continues to be consumed as a target of social criticism. One cannot help but ask whether the reproduction of matters that have already received judicial judgment as material for political and public opinion attacks reflects the image of the Republic of Korea as a country governed by the rule of law.

 

 

The President and political circles should engage in a politics of integration for the entirety of the people, rather than a politics that scapegoats a specific group. Using religion as a tool for political crisis management or pressuring minority religions by leaning on majority opinion does not help national development or democracy. The President must be the President of all citizens, and the state has an obligation not to exclude or discriminate against a specific faith.

 

 

If one religion is targeted today, another religion or citizen could become the target tomorrow. Shincheonji Church of Jesus will not remain silent in order to protect the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, and at the same time, it seeks to rectify this issue through truth and faith within the law and order. The government must judge based on facts and law rather than emotional definitions and must return to politics for the people and state management for national development.

 

 

As citizens of the Republic of Korea, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has actively cooperated with the government's work and performed much service, taking the lead in saving citizens' lives through blood donations. As we have done until now, we will continue to fulfill our duties as religious practitioners who believe in God and Jesus and as citizens of this country.

 

 

 

January 19, 2026 All members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.