The international human rights organization CAP LC (Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience) 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 church announced on July 9. CAP LC, which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea could, if disseminated abroad, seriously impact public opinion and even administrative and judicial decisions in other countries.
The statement cited specific cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji Church's registration application, labeling the church a "cult"—a term without a clear legal definition. CAP LC noted 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 church figures, with a critical 2025 book by evangelical activists deepening these perceptions.
Shincheonji Church emphasized that these are not isolated incidents but reflect a pattern where unfounded stigma and unverified claims cause disadvantages for members in workplaces, families, and social lives. The church called for administrative and judicial decisions to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
The statement also addressed controversy in South Korea over political participation by church members. CAP LC criticized claims that party membership of Shincheonji members amounts to "religion-politics collusion," arguing that political participation should not be suspicious solely because of religious affiliation. It called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and religious neutrality.
Amid these concerns, South Korea is investigating allegations related to church members' party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence. On June 29, the government joint investigation headquarters indicted Lee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Shincheonji Church maintains the case should be handled with due process and objective evidence, not social perceptions. The church also raised concerns about the necessity and proportionality of detaining Lee, who is 95, has cooperated with the investigation, and key materials have already been secured.
Shincheonji Church said the cases of discrimination abroad and the investigation in South Korea raise a common question: what standards should states apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argues that the issue goes beyond one religious group and serves as a measure of whether minority rights are equally protected. According to the church, the international community is watching to see if legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld. The resolution of these cases will test social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities.
CAP LC has previously brought cases before the U.N. including persecution of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over Japan's request for a dissolution order against the Unification Church. Shincheonji Church said the involvement of such an NGO shows the case is not just a domestic controversy but one drawing international attention to human rights standards.
The church operates official channels including Shincheonji.org and SCJ TV Global, the latter being its official broadcasting platform.
