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\nAccording to the church, the article heavily relied on speculative and anecdotal claims from former members, while failing to offer a balanced perspective or reflect the current reality of the faith community. The church stated that its own position was reduced to merely two lines within the report.
\nThe article, titled “Treating Us Like Animals”, described the Shincheonji Church of Jesus as one of France\u2019s \u201cproblematic evangelical organisations\u201d, based primarily on the anonymous testimony of a former member. It referenced allegations such as isolation from family, financial pressure, and intensive training sessions. However, the church contends that only two sentences from their official response were included, despite having submitted detailed answers to twelve questions provided by the journalist in advance.
\nA church representative stated, \u201cWe submitted thousands of words in response to the questions sent by the reporter, yet less than 1% of our answers were included in the article. This severely limited our ability to present a fair and balanced viewpoint to readers.\u201d The official also noted that the article was published just four hours after their response was sent, suggesting the piece was premeditated and not the result of open and honest journalistic inquiry.
\n\u201cIf the written response was insufficient, the journalist could have visited the church in person to observe and speak with members currently practising their faith,\u201d the representative continued. \u201cWe are always open to transparent and respectful engagement with the media.\u201d
\nTo provide insight into the lived experiences of current members, the church shared testimonies from individuals active in the Paris congregation. Teresa, 29, who has been part of the community for six years, said, \u201cFaith is a personal, voluntary journey. Here, I came to truly understand God and how to live according to His teachings.\u201d Axel, 30, added, \u201cBefore joining Shincheonji, I was searching for life\u2019s meaning. My faith gave me clarity and purpose. It brought me joy, a sense of mission, and even introduced me to my wife. My life is deeply fulfilling.\u201d
\nThe church also addressed the article\u2019s provocative headline, “Treating Us Like Animals”, expressing shock and dismay. \u201cNo one within the church has ever experienced or witnessed such treatment,\u201d they said. \u201cThe phrase was clearly chosen for its shock value, not its truth.\u201d
\nThe church emphasised that it does not tolerate threats or stigmatisation of former members, and that individual freedom – including the decision to leave – is respected within the community. They called for fair reporting standards and urged the media to uphold journalistic integrity when covering matters of faith.
\nThe church also refuted the claim in the article that a woman had ended a romantic relationship “at the request of the church”, firmly stating, \u201cThis is not true.\u201d A representative clarified, \u201cThe man in question was a fellow believer at the time and, in fact, wished to marry. However, the woman did not feel ready for marriage. Their separation was a mutual decision based on personal faith concerns and honest discussion between them. At no point did the church intervene or pressure either party into a decision.\u201d He went on to emphasise, \u201cLove and marriage are deeply personal matters, rooted in individual autonomy and responsibility. To suggest that the church exerts control over such decisions is simply inaccurate.\u201d
\nThe church further took issue with the inclusion of certain content in the article that, they claim, misrepresents events and includes situations never experienced by the interviewee. One such example involved a photograph of someone\u2019s foot resting on a radiator, used to suggest physical punishment. The church explained that the image had no connection to any such practice and had actually been taken as a joke before the individual had even joined the church. \u201cThe person in the photo is still an active and devoted member of the church. He posed playfully for the picture, which was taken by someone else for fun,\u201d they clarified. \u201cHe was shocked and embarrassed to see the image used in this context. He has since stated his intention to file an official complaint with the media regarding the unauthorised use of his photo and the false interpretation attached to it.\u201d
\nThe church expressed disappointment that such claims were reported without thorough fact-checking, warning that doing so could mislead readers and contribute to a biased view of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus as an unconventional or harmful organisation.
\nAddressing the mention of a \u201ctraining camp\u201d in the article, the church clarified that this was a short-term programme attended voluntarily by missionaries seeking deeper spiritual growth. \u201cIt was entirely optional,\u201d a church spokesperson said. \u201cThe schedule included morning prayers and scripture meditation. Attendees were free to leave at any time, and there was absolutely no coercion or physical punishment involved. However, we acknowledge that such activities may be misunderstood by those not attending the church, and for this reason, we no longer operate the programme.\u201d
\nThe church also firmly denied allegations related to the collection of personal information, restrictions on internet use, or encouragement to cut ties with family. \u201cNone of this is true,\u201d they said. \u201cWe only collect the minimum information necessary for pastoral care. We do not restrict internet access or relationships outside the church. In fact, we encourage our members to lead positive, exemplary lives both at home and in society.\u201d
\nRegarding the use of the name \u201cECA Academy\u201d, the church explained that it was a temporary name for a Bible education programme in 2019. \u201cAt the very start of the programme, we clearly stated that it was affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Participation beyond that point was entirely voluntary.\u201d
\nIn light of the article, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in France urged the media to uphold key principles, including:
\n\u2022 Providing balanced coverage that reflects a variety of experiences and perspectives
\n\u2022 Giving sufficient space to the church\u2019s official responses and positions
\n\u2022 Fairly representing the real voices and testimonies of active members
\n\u2022 Fostering a media culture that respects religious freedom and the dignity of believers
\n\u2022 Avoiding sensationalist language and headlines that may create prejudice
\nA church official remarked, \u201cBiased reporting on particular religious groups can foster stigma and discrimination against innocent believers, while also undermining both religious freedom and human rights. Media coverage should be based on accurate information, balance, and mutual respect – not on sensationalism designed to provoke fear or hatred.\u201d
\nThe church concluded by expressing its hope that all media outlets, including Le Parisien, will strive for higher ethical standards and greater balance in their religious reporting. Shincheonji Church of Jesus remains committed to promoting understanding through transparent communication and open dialogue.<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"