The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has issued a strongly worded statement condemning recent remarks by President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, accusing the administration of targeting the group in violation of constitutional protections for religious freedom.
In a press release dated January 19, 2026, the church claimed that the government has “explicitly targeted a specific religious group,” labeling it a “social harm” and a “detriment” while mobilizing state power in a retaliatory manner.
The statement argues that these actions breach Article 20 of the Republic of Korea’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
The controversy stems from comments made earlier this month. On January 12, during a meeting with leaders of major religions, President Lee Jae-myung reportedly agreed with concerns about societal damage caused by certain groups, stating that such harm had been “neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.”
The following day, January 13, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, speaking at a Cabinet meeting, referred to “cults” and “heresy” in connection with groups including Shincheonji and the Unification Church, ordering a joint investigation and measures for their “eradication.”
Shincheonji’s statement criticizes these declarations as prejudging the outcome before any formal investigation concludes, potentially undermining due process and judicial independence. It questions the authority of a secular government to define religious orthodoxy or heresy, insisting that such judgments should be based solely on biblical teachings rather than political or secular interests.
The church drew historical parallels, comparing its situation to the persecution of Jesus Christ, whom it says was labeled a heretic by religious authorities of his era but later vindicated. It renewed its long-standing offer for an open, public Bible examination to resolve theological disputes factually, noting that previous invitations have gone unanswered.
Highlighting its contributions to society, Shincheonji pointed to its members’ involvement in disaster relief, record-breaking blood donation drives, and cooperation with authorities. It emphasized that past allegations against the group have often resulted in court acquittals or findings of no wrongdoing, accusing critics of recycling settled matters for political gain.
The statement urged the government to abandon “emotional branding” and “scapegoating,” return to fact- and law-based governance, and uphold equality for all citizens regardless of faith.
It warned that targeting one religious minority today could endanger others tomorrow, vowing that Shincheonji members would continue to uphold their constitutional rights while living as responsible citizens of South Korea.
The release comes amid an ongoing joint police-prosecution investigation into alleged ties between certain religious groups, including Shincheonji, and political figures, following broader concerns about corruption and societal harm raised by mainstream religious leaders.