Date: July 9, 2026U.N. Rights Group Warns of Growing Discrimination Against Shincheonji Members Abroad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: press@scjtvglobal.com

By : Ali Khalil
Date: July 9, 2026U.N. Rights Group Warns of Growing Discrimination Against Shincheonji Members AbroadCAP LC urges governments to base decisions on verifiable evidence, cites cases in UK, Germany and South KoreaSEOUL, South Korea — An international human rights organization has submitted a written statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council warning of increasing discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus outside South Korea.

The Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), which holds special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council, said in its submission that administrative and judicial decisions concerning religious groups should be based on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards, not on unverified information.CAP LC said negative perceptions formed in South Korea, if repeated abroad, risk influencing public opinion and government actions in other countries.

“Allowing unfounded stigma to gain international acceptance could lead other religious minorities to be judged in the same manner,” Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, said Thursday in a statement.Reported Cases in EuropeThe rights group cited incidents in the United Kingdom and in German-speaking countries.In the U.K., the Charity Commission rejected Shincheonji’s application for registration and described the church as a “cult,” a term CAP LC noted has no clear legal definition. The group said such language in official procedures can create strong social stigma.In Germany and other German-speaking countries, CAP LC reported workplace discrimination against members amid negative media coverage. It pointed to a 2025 book by evangelical activists as a factor in deepening those perceptions.

Concerns Over South Korea InvestigationThe statement also addressed legal proceedings in South Korea involving Shincheonji members’ political participation.CAP LC criticized claims that party membership by Shincheonji members constitutes “religion-politics collusion,” saying political participation should not be treated as suspect based on religious affiliation. It called on the South Korean government to uphold religious freedom, non-discrimination and state neutrality.South Korean authorities are investigating allegations related to party membership. On June 24, a court issued an arrest warrant for Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee, 95, citing concerns including possible destruction of evidence.

On June 29, prosecutors indicted Lee on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act.Shincheonji said the case should be handled under due process and objective evidence. The church questioned the necessity of detention given Lee’s age and cooperation with authorities, and noted that key materials had already been secured.Broader ImplicationsShincheonji said the issues raised by CAP LC and the case in South Korea point to a broader question: what standards governments should apply when dealing with religious minorities.

“How this case is resolved will serve as a test of social and institutional trust in the protection of religious minorities,” the church said.CAP LC has previously raised religious freedom issues at the U.N., including the situation of the Church of Almighty God in China and concerns over Japan’s move to dissolve the Unification Church.About Shincheonji Church of Jesus
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is a Christian church based in South Korea. SCJ TV is its official global broadcasting channel.Media Contact:
press@scjtvglobal.com
https://www.shincheonji.org/en
https://www.scjtvglobal.com