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, focused on the standards by which such matters are assessed rather than the controversy surrounding the church itself.
CAP LC warned that negative perceptions and unverified materials originating in South Korea, if disseminated abroad, could seriously impact public opinion, administrative proceedings, and judicial decisions in other countries. The group urged governments to base any decisions concerning Shincheonji Church of Jesus on verifiable evidence and clear legal standards.
The statement cited cases in the United Kingdom and German-speaking countries. In the UK, the Charity Commission rejected the church's registration application, describing it as a "cult" 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 fueled by negative media and a critical 2025 book by evangelical activists.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the statement demonstrates that unfounded stigma could lead to international acceptance, putting other religious minorities at risk. The church called for administrative and judicial decisions to be based on clear legal standards and verifiable evidence.
CAP LC also addressed the controversy in South Korea over political participation, criticizing claims that church members' party membership amounts to "religion-politics collusion." The group called on the South Korean government to uphold freedom of religion and religious neutrality. Amid an investigation into church members' party affiliations, a court issued an arrest warrant for Chairman Lee Man-hee on June 24, and he was indicted on June 29. The church maintains the case should be handled with due process and objective evidence, noting Lee's advanced age of 95 and cooperation with investigators.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus said the discrimination cases and the investigation raise a common question: what standards should states apply when dealing with religious minorities? The church argued that the issue serves as a test of social and institutional trust in protecting religious minorities, and that the international community is watching to see if legal grounds and due process are consistently upheld.
